Mario

My gut feeling was right...with sadness we have learned that our Italian landlord and "Dad" while we were there, has passed away. On May 31st, after several weeks in the hospital due to first pneumonia and then a heart problem, Mario passed away. I received an email from his granddaughter the day after my previous post about Italy. It was quite unbelievable. And it explains why my heart and mind could not stop thinking about Mario and Lucia the past few weeks. Understandably, Lucia is having a very difficult time right now. Please keep this family in your prayers at this time.

I had to dig up these pictures of our trip to Switzerland/Italy in 2008. I am SO thankful that we went (thanks again for the opportunity Elizabeth!). And am so grateful that Mario and Lucia were able to meet Sam and that I have these pictures of them holding him.

Here is Sam with Mario. Not a clear picture, but a precious one. Sam was going for Mario's glasses, of course:)
And here is Sam with Nonna (grandma) Lucia...

And here we are, Sam eating gnocchi for the first time. Sam started eating table food on this trip...not surprising with all of the great food we had!

The memories are precious and we are so incredibly grateful for the effect that this family has had in our lives. They welcomed us as family from day 1, and made our days in Italy so special.

Nostra Familia Italiana