The Marciano's, circa 1958With the recent passing of my uncle (my mothers brother), my cousin, his daughter, had this picture displayed at his wake. This picture was taken on his wedding day at the reception. When I saw this picture I stared at it in awe, as it was so comforting to see all my aunts and uncles, some of my older cousins, and of course my grandmother. I am not in this picture, as it was taken before I was born, but my brother is, he is standing in back of the little boy in the very front (center of picture), behind my brother is (sitting) Aunt Jo.
My mother comes from a family of twelve and they are all in the picture. I don't remember ever seeing a picture where the twelve of them are present at one time. I love how they are all dressed, so perfect. None of them were
financially well off, but you can never tell in this picture, as they all made the best of what they had.
My big Italian family roots started in Naples, Italy with my grandfather coming over thru Ellis Island, and settling in Newark, NJ. They all lived in a cold water flat on a street, where the houses where crammed in next to each other and their doors had no locks, as there was no fear. Things were simple then, they did not have much, but they had each other. My grandmother always made "wet" dishes for their meals (see my vid, if you are brave) as they could not afford meats. All my aunts and uncles went to work at a very young age to help pay the bills. They shared clothes and shoes throughout their childhood years. And as my mother tells me, they were always happy.
I have always cherished my mothers family, as they have def given me the laughter that I remember as a child. Some of my uncles had nicknames, and I always called them by such. Uncle Porky, Uncle Joe Brown, Uncle Ju Ju, Uncle Nutch to name a few. I am told each of these nicknames had a meaning and I believe I was told the stories behind these nicknames, however I can't remember them. I guess I can't remember the stories as it was not important to me, what was important, is being with them, and making the memories that we did, which will be stored in my heart forever.
Out of the twelve three are left, including my mom. I am one of 32 cousins which range in age from 60ish to 30ish. I don't see them all, but I do see some, and keep in touch with others thru e-mail.
I stared at this picture for hours and tried to plant my mind into theirs, as I wondered what they were thinking, did they know how the world would change, did they know those simple days of doors unlocked where to be no more. It is quite a mystery what their thoughts where and I will never know. What I do know, is I knew each of them, they all make me proud to be a part of this family, and most proud of my heritage. The family bond that is so clearly evident in this picture is a true statement of my being and what I have become. I do say this often, and I mean it so, I am so very grateful.
