That's Amore'

Last night we went to the Olive Garden for what was supposed to be a small get together with family. My Great Uncle is in town, and we wanted to visit with him. This dinner turned out to be 30 plus...all family. For such short notice, this night will go down in my book as one of my favorites. Uncle Johnny Sanfratello is my Grandmother's brother, and lives in Arkansas. He is my "Italian Uncle" as I like to tell him. He was once the mayor of his small town. Now he is retired and living great. My daddy thought the world of this man, as do all of us. Audrey was on her best behavior. She was wonderful. Maybe we can take her off "Restaurant Restriction".

Last night we sat at a long line of tables all pushed together. We all ate our share of salad and bread sticks. Some of us had wine, others just iced tea. In the middle of us catching up with everyone, all of us talking at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a little sadness. I found myself really missing my daddy. When I look at Uncle Johnny, I can really see my dad. Daddy looked so much like him. So in my own silence and in my own private moment I drank a toast to my daddy. It is hard to believe that it has been 11 years since our lord called him home. There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about him. I feel sad for my Audrey and all she is missing. He would be so in love with this little girl. I can imagine her calling for her "Papa Tom". I know my grandmother must be feeling the same way. Both her son (Uncle Tony) and her daughter (Aunt Renee) were there, and all that was missing was my daddy. Time does heal the pain, but the void is and will always be there.