oclivin

Although growing up my brother and I were well taken care of, it wasn’t always so easy being part of an Italian family. Remember the movie My big fat Greek wedding? Well my life was sort of like that, minus the greek part.  Being a child of first generation Italians was quite difficult.  Holidays were difficult, everyday life was difficult, food was difficult and dating was definitely out of the question…until we got married! So you are constantly criticized because, Italians don’t eat junk food, they are the perfect race and may God strike you down if you din’t think so.  I remember having to sneak Taco Bell and McDonalds just so my dad didn’t get mad, and those packed school lunches were horrible, everyone bought food except for me, no turkey here, a big slab of Parmiggiana in two pieces of Italian crust bread! Hey when you’re 12 that is embarassing! Holidays have always been a production, and frankly I can do without the yearly fist fights and black eyes. And do not talk to me about dating, I honestly am surprised that I even got married and had a kid, boy I could not even go out to school functions! Thank God for those College years. Well all in all, I am blessed to have experienced both cultures, living in Italy for 6 years was really fun, however, I would never do to my son what my parents did to me. Being held back from teenage activity was really sad, I know my folks tried to protect bus, but in the lomg run they kind of harmed us. So, maybe being Italian or for that matter, any race may be the best, but when you live in  America, let your childrem be Americans, trust me they will thank you later, and besides we never forget where we come from.

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