Fading Shadows: An Immigrant’S Tale of Life in America

FADING SHADOWS

AN IMM IGRANT’S TA LE OF LIFE IN AMERICA

Copyright © 2014 Abettina Dell’Orfano Morano.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-3966-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-3968-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-3967-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014912004

iUniverse rev. date: 10/31/2014

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1    The Vineyard

Chapter 2    The Challenge

Chapter 3    The Arrival

Chapter 4    Mr. Citizen

Chapter 5    The Reunion

Chapter 6    Slow And Easy

Chapter 7    Mike’s Dream

Chapter 8    Kegs Of Wine

Chapter 9    The Conflict

Chapter 10    Silent Moment

Chapter 11    Weekend Party

Chapter 12    Collision Course

Chapter 13    Dazzling Lights

Chapter 14    Sorrow Visited

Chapter 15    New Life

Chapter 16    Bewildered

Chapter 17    Plea For Help

Chapter 18    Turbulent Rivers

Chapter 19    The Angry Sea

Chapter 20    Rocky Road

Chapter 21    The Separation

Chapter 22    Song For Filomena

Chapter 23    Night Shadows

Chapter 24    The Crash

Chapter 25    Coming Home

Chapter 26    World War Ii

Chapter 27    Deleco

Chapter 28    Passing Shadows

Chapter 29    Twilight

Chapter 30    Faded Photographs

Chapter 31    Return To The Elements

About The Author

With all my love and appreciation I dedicate this book to my

sons who walked across the bridge to the next generation:

David and Philip—the pride of my life.

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the abundance of information I received from my older siblings, Anthony, Helena, Richard and my father, Michael. Their knowledge of past events enabled and inspired me to write this novel, based on a true story.

I would very much like to acknowledge my friend, Jill Tallman, from Sarasota, Florida, for her artistic talent — she drew my pink feather.

I would like to remember the encouragement of my sons, David and Philip. They were with me through the hardest of times, from the birth of my idea to write this novel through the difficult process of putting the words to paper, when it would have been so easy to quit. I truly don’t know where I’d be today without them.

I’m much obliged to my dear friends, Madeline Ellis, from Wakefield, Massachusetts; Eve Silver, from Red Bank, New Jersey; Mary Dovidio and Natalie Newman, from Lynn, Massachusetts, for their contribution.

Introduction

I am writing this book about my family who lived in the late 1800s in Chusiano di San Domenico d’Avellino, a small town in the province of Avellino in the region of Campania in Naples, Italy. My parents, Michele (later Americanized to Michael) and Filomena Dell’Orfano, were born in 1878 and 1882, respectively. My father and his brother, Massimeno, were raised in Chusiano by their parents, Raffael and Camella Dell’Orfano. The family was identified as Bianco or whiteheads because they were fair skinned blond and red haired. They lived on a farm, owned a vineyard, and had many farmhands.

In those days, school was not much of a priority, and if children reached the fourth or fifth grade, they were considered educated. The school buildings had two or three classes in one room, and they seldom held more than a handful of students. The children walked to school each day on the same dusty pathways their parents had walked, and after school they labored in the fields to help their families, as their parents and grandparents had done before them. The work was hard, and cultivating the land was difficult. The soil was rich in some areas—good for growing a vineyard—and sandy in others. The youngsters learned how to work at an early age, and helping their parents was a natural responsibility; they plowed the fields and were happy in their labor.

As is the case in any small town, everyone knew one another in Chusiano. There wasn’t much excitement in that little town, and people’s joy came from hearing that some neighbor was with child or that one of the many farms in the area had had a good crop of grapes that year. Winemaking was a big production for the Italian people; they doted over their fine crops, and they relished the good times they had at the annual grape harvest festival, which was full of music and dancing.

These people were humble and content with their lot because they didn’t know any other way of life. They had no concept of a larger world out there, of people they would never meet or experiences they would never have. In fact, most of them never went beyond the borders of their hometown.

Their homes were built close together, with each backyard adjacent to the next, separated by a wooden paling fence. The men worked hard nurturing their vineyards and farmlands until sunset, and so after the evening meal, they gathered at the backyard fences, discussing their crops.

The men looked forward to smoking their famous cigars, their Italian stogies. The women took pride in sharing their recipes and enjoyed socializing with one another until it was time to say buono notte.

Bettina’s mother and father, Michael and Filomena Dell’Orfano,

and their children, Umberto, Ricardo, and Reno

Antonio, Umberto, Helena and Ricardo.

CHAPTER ONE

The Vineyard

Raffael and his wife, Camella, owned a successful vineyard. They lived in an elite section of town and were well known in their community.

In the 1800s, Italian marble was plentiful, and many contractors used it for countertops, as well as in other areas of the home, because it was a durable material. Raffael and Camella had a large kitchen. Their dining room was adjacent to a lovely living room with murals on the walls.

Raffael’s right-hand man, Miguel, was the supervisor of his vineyard. Miguel visited Raffael regularly, always accompanied by his daughter, Amelia, a cute fifteen-year-old who was still her daddy’s special girl. Amelia loved these visits to Raffael and Camella’s house, because she liked their son, Michele, and always hoped to see him there. Michele was polite when Amelia visited, but a casual hello was the extent of his conversation with her.

Chusiano di San Domenico d’Avellino was a tight-knit village. The residents created what they called a neighborhood club, which met once a month. Each resident donated a couple of pennies each month so the village could hold an annual food festival. Camella and the other women in the neighborhood were enthusiastic about the festival and searched for their favorite recipes for the cooking contest. The Italians, like people of many nationalities, were good cooks, with appetites to match.

Every year the villagers looked forward to their spring festival. They voted for two people to organize the food event, and counting the ballots to determine the winner of the contest. The lucky victor would receive a new set of cookware and various utensils. Camella was chosen as one of the hostesses, who along with an assistant would help arrange the event. As one of the hostesses, Camella offered to hold the festival on the spacious grounds of her home.

The day had arrived for the festival—a beautiful, sunshiny Italian day. As the fiesta was about to begin, the villagers noticed that there was a strange woman present, accompanied by a young girl. The ladies chatted among themselves, wondering where the woman had come from and how she had found out about their food festival.

That woman, who lived in a small village on the other side of the mountain, had brought her favorite dish to the festival and placed it on the large table already groaning under the weight of all the delicious food on display. She also shared her recipe with the other participants.

The men had set up wooden tables on the lawn, and Camella and her assistant had dressed them with red-and-white cloths, with napkins to match.

Everyone was in a cheerful mood, chatting with one another, examining the new set of cookware on display, and tasting the delicious samples that had been prepared earlier. The people took their time walking around the grounds; the aroma of the foods and pastries made it difficult to decide on the tastiest dish or dessert, because everything looked and smelled so good.

After a fun-filled day of socializing, the sunlit hours gave way to the shadows of the evening, and the hostess announced, Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to cast your vote. Please fold your paper and place it in the ballot box provided.

The people of the neighborhood were excited and obliging and made their choices for the tastiest dish. With a couple of neighbors looking on, Camella and her assistant counted the ballots. The residents waited in happy anticipation of the announcement of the winner.

When they learned that the winner was not one of them, the residents were very upset and began murmuring.

It isn’t fair that a stranger should win the prize when she doesn’t even live in our town, one woman said.

We have to bring this up at our next meeting! another person shouted.

Many neighbors grumbled, adding to the general feeling of distress.

Camella and her helper introduced themselves to the winner. They learned that her name was Maria Cataldo, and she lived on the other side of the mountain. Maria was accompanied by her young daughter, Filomena, whom Maria introduced to Camella.

Camella congratulated Maria on her fabulous dish and kindly chatted with her about the recipe. Maria was happy to explain how she made her tasty veal marsala, speaking shyly at first, but then more eagerly as she described the preparation of her prize-winning entry.

I precooked the veal, cut it into thin slices, and flavored it with parsley, lemon, wine, cheese, and olive oil, she said. Then I minced some shallots in olive oil and sautéed them until they were soft and translucent. I added some chicken stock and some sliced, raw beef with mushrooms, and I sprinkled it with mozzarella cheese and oregano leaves. Then I topped the whole thing off with parmesan cheese and with sides of grilled eggplant, capers, and a tasty tomato sauce. Then I baked the dish in the oven at medium heat.

Throughout Maria’s recounting, Camella listened carefully, nodding now and then to encourage her. When Maria was finished, Camella congratulated her once again for winning the contest and the new set of cookware. Camella asked Maria, How did you learn about our food festival?

Maria said, Your son, Michele, told my daughter, Filomena, about the festival, and she thought it would be fun if I baked one of my favorite recipes.

When the women in the neighborhood saw that Camella had befriended this stranger, they accepted her decision and remained quiet about their objections from that point on.

Filomena’s father had died at an early age.

Over time, Camella and Maria exchanged recipes and experimented with new dishes. Their common interest in various foods grew into a friendship; Maria visited Camella every week, accompanied by her young daughter, Filomena.

Filomena was a tall, quiet girl, the same age as Amelia. She worked part-time as a seamstress in a tailor’s shop, and she was talented at embroidery and other handicrafts. She enjoyed going to Camella’s house with her mother, and the weeks when Maria had to work, Maria would send Filomena in her place to deliver her new recipes.

There were times when Camella would bake one of Maria’s recipes and was anxious to get Maria’s opinion about the result. The three women frequently lunched together at Camella’s house, enjoying the tasty flavor of Maria’s creative dishes.

Michele got used to seeing Filomena at his house, chatting with his mother about foods, and over time he took a liking to her. One day when Filomena was ready to leave his house, Michele offered to walk her home, and she accepted, to his shy delight.

Before long, a relationship had developed between Michele and Filomena. One day when Filomena was at Michele’s house, he followed her into the pantry and lovingly kissed her. Camella saw Michele embrace Filomena; Camella just smiled.

When Michele finished his day’s work on the farm, he would sit on the hillside and wait for Filomena to come down from the other side of the mountain, knowing she had a half day of school. She traveled the same dusty footpath through the hills and woodlands as the few children who went to school.

Over time, Michele’s relationship with Filomena matured, and they began seeing each other more frequently. Michele’s father, Raffael, saw the attention his son gave the girl and was unhappy, because he was planning for his son to marry Amelia.

A year passed, and one day when Raffael was sitting in his living room, going over some records regarding the vineyard, he saw Michele take Filomena into his arms and kiss her. Raffael was alarmed, and from that moment on he disliked Filomena.

Soon afterward, Raffael saw the young couple chatting. He was disturbed about the attention Michele gave Filomena, and he wanted to put a stop to their relationship. He disliked Filomena because she was not from their side of the mountain. When he spoke with his wife about the growing relationship between his son and that peasant girl, he learned that Camella liked Filomena.

Raffael then had a fatherly talk with his young son. Filomena is just a peasant girl, he said. Don’t get involved with her; she lives on the other side of the mountain.

Michele was happy to speak about Filomena with his father. Papa, I like her, he said.

At that, Raffael almost choked with anger. Waving his hands in the air, he shouted, Stay away from her! She’s just a peasant girl!

Despite his father’s opposition, Michele and Filomena continued to see each other. They loved to sit on the rise overlooking his father’s vineyard. The land around the town was hilly, and off in the far distance, on top of the highest knoll, was Raffael’s grape arbor, where vines were laden with clusters of grapes wound in and out of a wooden trellis. This lovely place had an entrance that was shaped like an arch. There was a rounded bench where people could sit and relax. Michele and his brother, Massimeno, often sat there to chat about their day’s work, and frequently the brothers and Filomena would sit there together because it was shady, and the view was peaceful. When the wind was high, they could hear the sound of the leaves on the vines rustling together like a soft melody. They listened to the swish of the fluttering leaves and imagined that the leaves were whispering together.

Michele had been troubled for several days about his father’s anger over his relationship with Filomena, and so one day, as he and Massimeno sat above the arbor, Michele talked about the conversation he’d had with their father.

Massimeno, I love Filomena, Michele said. One day I hope to marry her.

Wondering why his father had become so upset, Massimeno replied, Michele, if you love her, tell Papa. I’m sure he will understand. I think she is a lovely person, and it shouldn’t matter where she lives, even if it is on the other side of the mountain or elsewhere.

Michele felt better after speaking with his brother.

The vineyard workers picked the grapes and crated the fruit for market. They tended to the grapevines faithfully, because nocturnal animals liked the taste of the moist, sweet roots of the vines and would gnaw at them every night if no one was there to guard them.

As the Christmas holidays approached, Raffael and Camella decided to have a big New Year’s Eve party to celebrate their successful grape crop that year. Raffael wanted to enjoy the holiday with his right-hand man, Miguel, and his wife, and the vineyard workers and their wives, so he could congratulate the men for the good job they had done and the fine crop they had harvested.

Meanwhile, Camella and Maria had continued to see each other regularly and share recipes. They also were teaching young Filomena how to cook tasty Italian dishes. One day, Filomena made up a recipe of her own. She was so excited about it that she gave Camella a sample of her new dish. Camella loved it, and so she suggested to Maria that Filomena do the preparation and cooking for the special New Year’s Eve meal and get an opinion of her new recipe from the holiday guests. The two matriarchs agreed on the plan, smiling because they knew this feast would be prepared with tender loving care.

Camella bought a lovely holiday apron for Filomena, who was delighted by the surprise.

The night of the party, arriving guests were directed to the living room, where they were offered the drink of their choice before the meal. Filomena set the table using Camella’s best china and crystal. Moments later, when everything was ready, Camella beckoned to Filomena to call the guests to dinner.

The aroma of Filomena’s cooking permeated the house, and the guests were indeed ready to eat. They rose from the comfort of their easy chairs and walked to the dining room, where they sat down at a large, round table.

As the meal got underway, Raffael looked at Miguel and around the table at the others, and he spoke about the work his employees had done and how he was looking forward to another good yield of grapes the next season. Everyone was happy, sipping their spirits and enjoying conversations with one another.

While various discussions went on at the table, Filomena stood quietly, as a servant, by the pantry door, listening with respect whenever Raffael and Miguel spoke. She remained there after she served the hors d’oeuvres, recalling her visits to Michele’s house and the tension between herself and Raffael. Her impression was that Raffael didn’t like her, although she didn’t know why, and she felt rejected. But she quickly cast that thought aside, because tonight was a happy occasion.

Filomena walked out of the kitchen with a large serving tray and placed a roasted leg of lamb in the center of the holiday table. She also served lasagna stuffed with eggs mixed with ricotta and Romano cheese, plenty of parsley, black pepper, salt, and an array of Italian herbs.

Her tasty, versatile pasta sauce contained farm-grown tomatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic and an assortment of meats—veal, lamb, and steak—for extra flavor. She had a tasty side dish of penne primavera made with fresh vegetables and her famous spiced sauce filled with sweet Italian sausage. It was difficult to choose between her desserts: pies, layer cakes, and Italian cookies.

Michele’s father commented on the nice aroma of the cuisine, and the expression on his face showed how much he loved the flavor of the veal dish. With a big grin on his face, he looked at his wife and complimented her on the dish’s tangy flavor. Camella was pleased to hear that her husband liked the tasty dish.

Raffael, I’m so glad you are enjoying the new flavors, she said, because Filomena did all the preparation and cooking for tonight’s dinner. Raffael remained quiet.

During the conversation that night, Filomena heard Raffael and Miguel exchanging views on various topics. Raffael and Miguel spent most of the evening talking about their work, and the two men enjoyed another glass of Raffael’s choice wine. Miguel again congratulated Raffael on his fine harvest that year.

After waiting to see if anyone needed anything, Filomena began clearing the soup bowls from the table to make space for the other dishes she had prepared. Seeing that the rolls in the breadbasket were gone, she brought more hot bread from the oven and placed it on the table. In doing so she overheard Miguel say something to Raffael indicating that Amelia was soon to wed Michele. Raffael went on to speak about his plans for his future daughter-in-law, Amelia.

Filomena did not know what to make of that information. She felt hurt and confused, because she and Michele had planned to be married.

When Filomena got the chance, she slipped away to speak with Michele and tell him what she had heard. Michele was confused, as well, because he was not aware of having made any such commitment to Amelia, and he’d never had any intention of marrying her. He comforted Filomena. I don’t know where that information came from, he said. I was respectful and polite whenever I saw Amelia at my house, but a casual hello was as far as my conversations with her went. He told Filomena he would discuss the matter with his father.

After dinner, the men retired to the living room, and Michele looked for an opportunity to speak with his father about his intention to marry Filomena. He sat down beside his father on the couch and listened as Raffael spoke with Miguel about the vineyard. Michele waited patiently for a lull in the conversation, because he wanted to put the topic of marriage to rest.

Sensing that his son wanted to speak, Raffael said in a gruff voice, What is it, son? Speak up—what’s on your mind? Miguel thought that perhaps Michele had some new ideas to express about the vineyard, and so he listened carefully.

As Michele started to speak, he saw that Miguel was very interested in what he had to say, taking another sip of wine and settling more comfortably in his chair. Michele began to verbalize his thoughts, saying, With due respect, Papa, I would like to speak with you alone.

Anything you have to say can be said right here, Raffael said testily. Miguel is my right-hand man, and I hide nothing from him.

With great control, Michele continued, I want you to know, Papa, that Filomena and I are planning to get married.

When his father heard what his son had said, his world was shaken. Miguel also was taken aback, because he and Raffael were making plans for his daughter, Amelia, to wed Michele. Shocked and dismayed, Miguel listened carefully.

There was a pause, and then harsh words began to fly across the room from an enraged Raffael. If you don’t marry Amelia, he roared, you will need to get out of my house right now! Raffael was certain that Michele would not dare refuse, as there were many acres of land set aside to be divided between his two sons. The workers’ wives were busy chatting with one another while Camella, Amelia, and Filomena listened to the conversation between Michele and his father.

Michele was stunned by his father’s behavior, but he remained still as his father continued to fume. Raffael was a proud man with an injured ego. He told his son that he would order him out of the house immediately if he didn’t stop acting so foolishly by insisting on marrying some unknown peasant girl from the other side of the mountain.

Shaken, Filomena began to weep.

When Amelia learned that Michele wanted to marry another girl, she cried and carried on like a spoiled child. She ran to her father for comfort, causing a greater disturbance. Now both Raffael and Miguel were offended. Raffael reached out to comfort his intended daughter-in-law, looking at his son with immeasurable anger.

Respectful but resolute, Michele said, Papa! Filomena and I have been acquainted for almost three years. I love her. He tried to explain further, but Raffael just shouted all the louder. After awhile, Michele stopped trying to reason with his father; whatever Michele said did not matter, as Raffael was not listening.

With a look of disgust, Raffael gestured wildly toward his son, saying, Get out! Get out of my house right now!

Michele rose from his seat, nodding calmly. He walked over to where his mother was seated next to his father on the couch and comforted her, because he saw that she was weeping.

Camella tried to hide her tears, lowering her eyes to her lap and pretending to straighten out a wrinkle in her dress. She had been listening to the conversation between the two men she loved and grieving; she couldn’t bear to hear such harsh words from her husband.

Michele embraced his mother. Mama, I love you, he said. Then he walked to where his brother was seated, hugged him and whispered something, and walked out the door. Massimeno stood up, went to the front door, and watched Michele walking in the direction of the grape arbor that the brothers loved so much.

Michele remained in the arbor for some time; knowing he had a major decision to make, he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Since his youth, Michele had imagined that when he decided to get married, he would have the love and blessing of his parents.

When Michele returned to the house, he saw that his father was still seated, his rage quieted. Michele spoke to him in a soft tone, saying, Papa, I made my decision, and I want to marry Filomena.

When Raffael heard his son announce his verdict, he asked him coldly, Is that all you can say? Is that your final decision?

Yes, Papa, Michele said.

Raffael was unable to contain his anger. Go! he shouted, pointing at the door and looking at his son. Get out right now! And you will be disinherited of any properties that were due you.

Michele turned to Massimeno. I’ll be in touch, he said. Then he leaned toward his weeping mother, embraced her, and repeated, I love you.

When Camella realized her son was going to leave the homestead, she could hardly bear the thought. She looked at her husband with tears in her eyes. Is there anything I can say to change your mind? she asked, but Raffael simply shook his head and shouted, No!

Camella was frightened by the shouting and the order Raffael had given their son. But Michele stood tall and confident, and he said in a soft, calm voice, As you requested, Papa, I will leave your home and your property.

His mother burst into tears again, and Michele turned to her. Mama, please don’t cry. You know I love you, and I’ll always be in touch with you. She nodded and then buried her head in her son’s chest.

Michele tapped his brother on the shoulder, knowing that he understood, and walked out the door, waving good-bye to his parents and the neighborhood. The neighbors who saw him leave didn’t know why he was waving like that; they had known and respected his family for years, and they couldn’t understand what had happened that night in Raffael’s home.

Michele had a dynamic personality and was strong-willed like his father. He had grown into a tall and handsome man with a full crop of sandy hair, hazel eyes like his mother, and a distinguished Roman nose like his father’s. Michele’s posture was that of a military colonel, and he walked with a straight gait.

Michele had made his decision. He left the home where he was born and raised and, without fanfare, married Filomena. For a time they lived with Maria on the other side of the mountain.

When Filomena learned she was with child, she told Maria, who was very happy about the exciting news. Maria told Camella, who was also thrilled, because she knew Filomena well and liked her. When Raffael learned that Filomena was with child, he quietly left the house and went out to the vineyard.

CHAPTER TWO

The Challenge

Michele had come to the crossroads of his existence. He had entered a new life by turning his back on the past and facing the challenge of an unknown future. Now he lived with his wife, Filomena, and his mother-in-law, Maria, on the other side of the mountain.

Raffael believed in hard work, and he placed a great value on keeping commitments and promises. He had raised his two sons to do the same. While Massimeno was quiet and scholarly, Michele had an adventurous nature; he was restless and eager to work.

Michele was close friends with a fellow named Louie; they had grown up together in Naples. Louie was tall, smart, and interested in real estate. He had a girlfriend named Maria, who was in nurse’s training at a hospital in Naples.

The times were changing rapidly in Italy, and business was booming. There was a lot of demolition work going on, with machinery to destroy old buildings and forge new roadways. Many construction companies were hiring. Michele, Louie, and Massimeno decided to leave school and seek employment at one of the nearby construction firms. Michele and Louie were seventeen; the tall and lean Massimeno was nineteen. All three applied for work and were hired as laborers. This was the first time the men had worked outside their own farms and vineyards, and so they met many people from other countries, with various cultures and languages.

The men started their first day’s work by carrying water needed for cement mix. The supervisor sized up his new crew of laborers and saw that Massimeno was not physically strong, so he reassigned him to run messages from one construction site to the next. Michele and Louie were chosen for the more strenuous work; they used carts to move large amounts of brick and sand. Wheeling the heavy carts for long hours was exhausting. Michele carried many bricks in his arms to earn more wages.

One day, Michele was working alongside another man who told him something intriguing: There was a rumor circulating around the company that workers could sign up for jobs in another country. The rumor was confirmed when Michele saw seasoned laborers signing up for this work on a paper posted on the company bulletin board.

Michele didn’t understand all the particulars, but he sensed this was something big. And at this point in his life, he was eager to make a new start. It was hard to imagine anyone from his hometown of Chusiano, Naples, making big money.

Unable to contain himself, he shared the exciting news with his brother and Louie.

None of these young men had experience in construction work. They had worked on farms and vineyards after school all their lives. Michele had a life-sized vision of his future, and he forged ahead to attain his dream, although it would not be easy.

Michele was very excited about this chance to move up in life, and he talked about it in an animated voice. It’s a land of opportunity where people can make a new beginning, he said. They say there is plenty of work in this country they call America—for anyone who is willing to work.

Michele and Massimeno had heard of America. They had a cousin who lived there, but that was worlds away.

The next day at work, Michele saw a man place a sign about the opportunity on the bulletin board. On a nearby table, another man left a stack of pamphlets listing the particular jobs available in that exciting, far-away country.

The information posted on the board was only for the most experienced workers in various areas. The posting read, For those who qualify for employment in construction, and other fields listed below, please sign the paper and state your interest.

That posting was followed by an announcement from a foreman: The openings for these positions in America are for only the most dexterous workers in the areas of carpentry, bricklaying, painting, and general construction. After listening to the announcement carefully, Massimeno felt doubtful. Turning to his brother, he said glumly, I know I’m not qualified for this. I think I’ll stay here at home and finish my education.

Word about the offer spread like wildfire through the company, and many workers gathered in a huddle during their lunch break to discuss the matter. Michele and Louie were interested, but with little talent in the needed areas, they hesitated to sign up. Ever adventurous, Michele finally said, Hey, Louie, let’s sign the paper anyway. And so they did.

During lunch break a few days later, Michele listened in on a conversation among the more seasoned workers, and he relayed to Louie what he had heard about travel to this new land. Over the next weeks, Michele and Louie would talk about these things constantly, carefully considering this rare opportunity.

A young man named Amato, who lived near them on the side of the mountain, had taken a chance and signed up, too, but he was frustrated. I feel funny doing this, he said. I just don’t know how to do that kind of work.

Michele overheard what the kid said. Me neither, but I’m willing to try, he responded.

Let’s see where this leads, Louie suggested. Michele and most of the others spoke Italian, and so they knew they might not measure up to the standards expected of them in America, but Louie was able to understand a little English.

Amato was still nervous. Suppose they find out we don’t know anything about construction work. What will happen then?

Well, none of us are experienced, Louie replied. But let’s just wait and see what happens.

From that moment on, Amato tagged along with Michele and Louie, because they were mature for their age and he looked up to them. Amato was fifteen years old.

Michele and Louie continued to talk about America while they walked to the place where workers were waiting for a cartload of bricks to arrive. Amato, who wanted to branch out on his own, said, Well, I’d like to do whatever you guys do.

Louis looked at him. Well, boy, to keep up with us, you’ve got to dig in and work, he said.

The next day Louie tried to gather more information from the men who spoke English, because he understood a little of their language. These men were experienced, and they were excited at the prospect of getting jobs in America, having signed in the proper columns where their trades were listed.

Michele and Filomena lived with Maria. Maria loved Michele, and she appreciated it when he carried the heavy buckets of water from the well every morning. She enjoyed having the young couple living with her, and when Michele suggested that he and Filomena should get their own home, Maria said, Oh, there’s plenty of room here for the three of us.

But Michele replied, Maria, in a month or two we’ll have a place of our own. Maria knew she would miss him and her daughter too.

The next day Michele invited one of the qualified men on the list to come to his house after work to explain what this opportunity was all about. The man’s name was Giuseppe, and he had befriended Michele and Louie. They started off the evening with a glass of wine and a fine Italian dinner cooked by Filomena.

Giuseppe was strong and sure of himself, much like Michele and Louie. They discussed the type of work that would be expected of them in America. Giuseppe thought Michele and Louie might be qualified for the jobs, but he really didn’t know. The three men talked for a long time about their plans to travel to this new land. Filomena, meanwhile, was chatting with her mother, knitting a garment, and half-listening to what the men were saying.

Michele’s imagination began to grow just thinking about the possibilities that awaited him, and he looked forward to sharing this stirring news with his bride.

Change has a way of entering our lives, and with every dream there is hope—and a price to pay. Michele did not know the cost of his vision. That night he looked at his wife and said, Well, I’m willing to take the challenge. We can live and work in that new land and raise our children there, and I will make a good living.

Night after night, Michele and Louie’s friend Giuseppe visited to discuss the venture. When the three men met, they convinced one another that an opportunity like this came once in a lifetime. At times Michele grew quiet, thinking about the past events with his father, his bride and the coming baby, and was motivated to make a new start for his family.

Sure that this was the right time for a move, the men talked it over with their families. Louie told his family, and Amato mentioned it to his, because he wanted to follow Michele and Louie.

After the men had discussed every aspect of the trip, each man had to decide for himself whether to take this journey to work in America.

Michele stood up and said, Well, I am determined to work hard and make a lot of money. I’ve decided that my family will make the journey to America. At that point Michele began the process of discovering his strengths and individuality. He was a self-motivated man now, daring to live out his dream. He loved challenges, and at this time in his life, the idea of working in another country preoccupied his mind.

Louie got up from his seat and declared to those present, I will accompany Michele to America. Amato followed suit. Giuseppe, the skilled construction worker who had bonded with Michele and Louie, offered a toast for their journey.

Filomena was not in the room with them when they made their final decision, and when she walked into the room, Louie noticed the puzzled look on her face. She asked, What’s all the excitement?

Michele began to explain, but Louie tapped him on the shoulder and said, Michele, let me tell her what we’ve been talking about every night.

Michele nodded. You’re a smart man, he said. You’ve a good way of helping people understand.

While Louie had the floor, he explained the situation to Filomena. Michele excused himself and went to the bathroom. Louie spoke Italian with Filomena, because that was the only language she understood.

When Michele returned to the room, he asked his wife, Do you understand? We can raise our children in America.

Filomena knew the idea of this trip was obsessing Michele during his waking hours, and she was afraid of his overwhelming enthusiasm. She was not ready to leave her mother or Michele’s mother, or even her homeland. She was insecure and did not want to travel to some unknown place. She loved Michele very much, but she also had her secret fears and anxieties. Her emotions vacillated as she tried to come to grips with the idea of leaving her homeland. After all, she had never been more than a short walk from her backyard or the fields, from her mother or Michele’s mother or even her neighbors.

But Filomena was a congenial, loyal woman who would do anything her new husband asked of her, and she decided that if she must join him and go to this unknown place, then she would go. She did not know how far along she was with her baby, and she didn’t want to remind Michele of these details or influence his decision, because she loved him enough to follow him wherever he led.

Filomena had learned long ago that once Michele made a decision, he did not easily change his mind. She was having scary thoughts about this faraway place, but she knew without question that her husband was in charge. Though she was young, she loved Michele and respected his role as the man of the house who would love, protect, and guide her.

One evening, Michele invited Massimeno, Louie, Giuseppe, and Amato to Maria’s house, where they gathered around the table for a meeting to finalize the plans for their journey. Massimeno made it plain that he would remain in Italy to finish his education. The discussion went well into the night, and each man spoke freely of his personal fears and doubts and the language barrier. Giuseppe said, I heard there was a cutoff point and a quota had been reached, and I think I saw your names on the list. Michele was thrilled.

Suddenly Filomena bounced into the room from their tiny kitchen. She was happy and excited because she had just finished making a pair of booties for the baby. Louie jumped from his seat and offered Filomena his chair, but she politely declined and lingered near the doorway. The men looked like they had made a big decision, but she wasn’t sure what it entailed. She’d just heard Michele say, Let’s make one toast for our journey, and another for my bambino. Now he raised his glass to his friends, and, joyfully, they drank their toast. Michele turned to Louie with a determined look on his face. I am certain I will make this trip, no matter what the consequences, he said. The men echoed his sentiment, shaking hands again to finalize their decision.

Watching from the doorway, Filomena put her hands on her tummy and drew closer to her mother, who was standing just inside their tiny kitchen. I’m fearful that I may have to leave you, Mama, and my homeland, Filomena said, taking Maria’s arm. Maria didn’t say anything, but she looked sad.

Michele had brooded long and hard about his bride and the coming baby, and now he called for attention, saying, I have an important announcement to make! The room went silent as everyone waited for him to speak. Amato thought Michele had decided to back out, but Louie whispered to Amato, If I know Michele, he would not change his mind about this trip to America.

I have been thinking about my beloved wife and our bambino, Michele said. I have decided that it would be best to leave Filomena home with her mother and my mother. Then I’ll know she is safe from the uncertainty of this trip. Louie, Amato, and Giuseppe were not married.

Louie stood up and said, Let’s applaud Michele for his wise decision. His friends clapped and rose from their seats to drink another toast. Michele looked lovingly at his wife. I will send for you and the baby as soon as I am settled, he said softly. This will not be at all easy, traveling so far away and to an unknown land. Nothing is simple when the future is so uncertain. Louie applauded Michele again, saying, Amen!

The men were glad they would be together, sharing the same language and heritage; and that was indeed a comfort. Their fear was that they did not speak English, and that would be a major barrier. While the men were pleased about the opportunity before them, they were not ashamed to share their fears and encourage one another. Louie was more relaxed, as he was able to speak and understand a little English. I will do my best to translate the information for you, he promised the others.

The day drew to a close, and Filomena was happy and relieved that she would be safe at home with her mama and Camella. She smiled with renewed excitement as she looked forward to having her first baby. Filomena’s life would remain unchanged for now, while Michele’s life was about to change dramatically as he embarked on this journey to a new land.

The construction firm sent letters to the men whose names were on the list, telling them to have their passports stamped and in order.

Two weeks later, the men received their notices, and the excitement mounted among the gallant and brave peasants. They mentally braced themselves, ready to board the big ship for America. They knew this action would be an important turning point in their lives, for better or for worse, for them and their loved ones.

Michele was stimulated and energized. He had a dynamic personality and took advantage of his new energy. He was looking forward to the trip, ready to live life to its fullest. Still, the usual questions arose in his mind and in the minds of his friends—the fears and doubts that accompany even the bravest of men in any new venture.

Each man boarding the ship brought with him his personal anxieties and qualms. Several of the people would do well, while others would not. Many would need assistance, and there were those who would fall by the wayside. It takes immense courage and determination to leave the comfort, security, and familiarity of one’s homeland.

The time was drawing near when Michele would be leaving the country, and he realized that he had to tell his mother. It was near noontime, so he ran the risk of seeing Raffael, but it didn’t matter to Michele whether his father was at home or in the vineyard; Michele was his own man.

So he stopped by to talk to his mama, and Camella cried with joy to see her boy, hugging him and telling him how much she loved him. Raffael was home that day, sitting in the living room, reading the vineyard and farm reports. He did not move from his chair, and Michele did not make an effort to speak to him, although that moment might well have been the last time the two men would be within earshot of one another.

Michele held his mother and said, Mama, I want to speak with you about a journey I’m about to take with Louie. We are planning to make a voyage to America—where cousin Celia lives. I already wrote to her and made arrangements: when my friends and I arrive in New York, we will stay with her until we get settled. Giuseppe DeGreorio from the construction company is going too; he will act as our guide. Louie says when we arrive in New York, there will be people to help us use a telephone, and he’ll call Celia.

Seeing the fearful look on his mother’s face, Michele knew she did not understand what the trip was all about.

I will be leaving Italy to live far away, he explained quietly. I want you to know that I love you and that you are always in my heart. I will write letters to keep you up-to-date on my journey. When Camella realized what her son was saying, the reality of the news pierced her heart, and tears choked her words so that she was unable to speak. Michele understood her deep love for him, and he tried to keep his own emotions in check. He held and comforted his mother, who buried her face in his shoulder.

Oh, and Filomena is a young thing, and so I will leave her here with you and Maria until I am settled. Then I will send for her. And Mama, please help her with the bambino.

Camella’s heart ached, but she nodded courageously and said, Yes, yes, I will look after her.

Michele kissed and hugged his mother and wiped the tears from her eyes.

He could hear the rustling of his father’s newspaper from the other room. If Raffael had any questions for his son after hearing him speak with Camella about the trip, he never said a word.

With tears streaming down her face, Camella embraced her boy, bringing him closer to her bosom and sobbing until Michele had to wipe the tears from his own eyes. Mama, I’m taking you with me in my heart, he said. After I get settled in this new land, maybe we can make a trip to see you.

Camella was having a difficult time imagining her son leaving the country where he’d been born and raised. Michele hugged his mother again and told her how much he loved her.

Finally, the time came for him to leave. Camella wept as she watched her boy walk out of the house. Raffael saw his wife weeping and walked to the doorway to comfort her. He’s a grown man, he said. He’ll be all right.

The men had received notification that their ship would set sail at six o’clock in the morning, and they were told where to line up on the dock to await boarding. At the appointed time, Michele, Louie, Amato, and Giuseppe arrived, accompanied by their loved ones, and were told to stand behind a roped-off area.

Michele hugged his mother again and whispered, Mama, I’ll buy something nice and send it to you. His mother clung to him fiercely. She didn’t want Michele to see her cry, but the tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Gently, Camella kissed her son, and a tear fell on his face. Michael smiled and said, Mama, I’ll leave that tear on my cheek to remind me of your love, and his mother smiled.

Michele and his friends stood in long lines with their papers, passports, and a few possessions, maybe a wallet or a couple of pictures of their loved ones. They waited in the cold and fog, listening to the repeated announcement coming from a loudspeaker:

When you hear your name called, please step forward.

Finally Michele, Louie, and Amato heard their names and moved out of line to board the boat. Filomena, Maria, and Camella also heard Michele’s name, and they watched as he shuffled up the steerage gangway, because they had paid a low fare. When Michele was on the gangway, he looked back to see his mama one more time, but she had faded into the crowd and out of sight.

The ship was huge, with several decks. Michele, Louie, and Amato had never seen anything like it in their lives. Once they were inside, they looked around for Giuseppe, but he had been directed to another area.

Back on shore, Filomena, Camella, and Maria hugged one another for comfort, the realization having hit them that a great part of them was leaving with Michele that day.

There were a few women boarding the boat that day, and one or two were with child. They traveled with hope in their hearts, ready to make a new start in their lives. Those watching them from the shore shed tears and threw kisses.

The men were among the modern pioneers of that era. They were looking forward to the trip that would land them at Ellis Island in New York, USA, where countless people had landed before them, their faces now dimmed with the passage of time and perhaps faded from the memories of those who loved them. Millions more people not yet born would arrive and enter this great nation, the land of the free who opened her doors to all.

Now there was no more throwing kisses, as the loved ones were moving out. The only comfort left to those on shore was the travelers’ promises to write. With the passengers aboard, it was time to secure the gangplank, and the