April 25,2021

Good morning everyone, today is April 25, 2021, yes it is also Sunday. I just looked outside and the weather people got it right, it is raining but they Ali promise clearing later, we shall see. So I commend Amanda for her decision to change the date of the party, it worked out great.

Now we put the 5th birthday to bed and await next year. The party was a huge success and I feel everyone had a good time , it was a good feeling because I think most people were more relaxed because most were fully vaccinated and a lot of apprehension was gone, so it almost felt like days gone by. There was a tremendous amount of food but there always is, my motto has always been to have more than less. I would be so embarrassed if people ever left my house hungry or wanting for something I did not offer. But that has has never happened to me. I know that is an old standing joke about Italians, that we serve too much food but I really believe that all cultures do the same thing. Once at a Portuguese home when the hostess brought out the shrimp, I said to myself I never saw so many shrimp how will eat we eat it all, but there was not one left or a Greek home there was so much lamb, again all gone. Then there is always the multitude of desserts. So again serveing too much food is not just something Italians do every culture over feeds their guests. It is a way of showing you are welcome there and a wanted guest. I hope to never end this practice.

I have worn many hats in my life but teaching I feel was the most rewarding, not the most profitable but gave me a real

sense of purpose. Yesterday when the Ice Truck pulled up and all the children arrived it was a beautiful sight. They all lined up and got there ice from the woman and sat around everywhere to eat it, parents and siblings all joined in, then as children do ran to play with each other. The yard looked like a park. Many parents expressed to Amanda that this was the first actual outside birthday party they had been to, not a family function because of COVID. This broke my heart because this was also Rocco’s first party with his little friends. You know I have felt along that the children would be the hardest hit through all of this, and they are, they have been deprived of so much, we can’t even imagine the residual of this yet. Some will never remember it and then there will be some that the affects will be long lasting. But I do see some real light at the end of this tunnel, some lessening of fear. Thank God, maybe he is hearing our prayers.

So today again is Sunday the Lords Day and he gave us this beautiful day of rest. Even though it is raining take advantage of the gift don’t squander and waste it. Do something to make yourself happy the way he intended it to be. Again I am thankful and humbled by all the Birthday wishes you sent our way, they are greatly appreciated. Well that’s it for today so remember enjoy your day and we will talk soon Til Tomorrow!