Mike and I had planned to drive up north after Christmas to visit the family in Oderzo and Mirano. We thought it would be best to let them celebrate the religious holiday, then be there for Befana. That’s January 6, when the witch Befana comes to bring candy to the children.
But, we all know what happens to the best laid plans.
On the day after Christmas, we received a message from Alberto that Antonietta had passed on Christmas day. Antonietta was married to Tarcisio Casonato, a first cousin to my father – my father’s mother (Luigia) and Tarcisio’s father were sister/brother. Antonietta and Tarcisio had two daughters, Valentina and Luisa. My daughter Kate and I first met the family in 2001.
The funeral was arranged for Saturday, December 30. So Mike and I changed plans and booked a hotel in Oderzo for the weekend. Then we had to pull out clothes to see if anything appropriate still fit. Thankfully, that was not a problem.
We drove the 6-plus hours on Friday so we could attend the funeral on Saturday. There was a service at the funeral home, which we did not attend, but went straight to the church. We sat about half-way to the alter. Right at about 10:00, the doors opened and the casket was carried to the alter. It was a lovely service, even though we didn’t understand much.
As the casket was being taken from the church, Alberto saw us, and he reached out for us to join the procession. Uncertain if this was appropriate, we hesitated. But it was clear that we were to be part of the family procession. There are no words to describe our emotions. Being brought into the family that way was the setting for the entire weekend. The closeness. The emotional support. It’s what family is all about. And I still get teary-eyed thinking of it.
After the church service, we all went to the cemetery. Mike and I had a little trouble finding it, so we were late. We found everyone as they were leaving. And we were told to go to Valentina and Alberto’s house for lunch. There were a number of people there, so be sure to take a look at the photos. After lunch, we went back to the cemetery where Valentina placed a candle and flowers on the nook where Antonietta’s ashes will be placed.
Mike and I went back to our hotel to rest. Valentina had told us to return at 7:00 for dinner with Luisa and Giulio. I can’t believe how she was able to put together such a nice meal.
The next day, New Year’s Eve day, we, Luisa and Giulio met at Valentina’s house and the six of us went to a nice restaurant for lunch. Mike and I insisted on treating. It was a lovely restaurant and the food was very good. Afterward, we drove to a little nearby town called Portobuffole', a former river port built around the year 1000, although I think the Romans were there many years before. There’s a link in the photos if you want to know more about the town.
Mike and I went back to our hotel, then returned to Valentina’s for a lentil dinner. Lentils on New Year’s Eve are for good luck in the coming year. Let’s hope so.
The next day, we drove to Mirano to visit Lina. Sara and Simone and their families had already taken off for their annual holiday in the mountains. We were sorry to have missed them, but we’ll be back again in the Spring.
That evening, Lina hosted dinner for her sister and cousins. What a fun time we had. They are a very lively group. Mike and I said “Buona Notte!” at about 9:00, but Lina said the ladies were there until 12:30. No way could we keep up with them! Be sure to look at the photos.
Click here to see the photos.
Since it’s such a long drive to Abruzzo, we decided to take a short vacation and stop in Ravenna for a few days. It turned out to be a good idea. Details will be in our next blog.
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