I am grateful today as I remember that my late immigrant parents–Vincenzo and Yolanda Del Monte–were welcomed to Canada’s shores in 1950. This country gave them a decent level of peace and prosperity, and they left a beautiful legacy in their children and grandchildren.

I am also very grateful that my in laws–Domenico and Savina Chiarella–made their way across ‘the big water’ to set up their new home for their future family. I was blessed forever to meet their first-born–Rosetta Italia Chiarella–in our italian class in first year university 39 years ago.  She’s my wife today and her middle name “Italia” represents the fact that being the first born in Canada, it would always remind her parents of where they came from.

Here she is 39 years later, more beautiful and wiser than ever.

Grazie Canada!!!

For the last few weeks we have been thrilled to some great soccer matches. Those of us who are “Forza Azzurri’ fans, today was downright distressing as our team collapsed under the weight of a very ‘heavy’ and talented Spanish soccer team.

As we watched the game unfold after the first 20 minutes we realized this was not going to be our day to celebrate.

The best part of the last few weeks has been the rediscovery of my heritage and culture. If nothing else, I love reminding myself that my roots are in ‘bella Italia’. I am proudly Canadian but fiercely of Italian descent. With my parents no longer here, I look for anything that will remind me of my heritage, and soccer is one of those pastimes.

So thank you Azzurri for another fabulous tournament.  We will continue to be your tifosi (fans) .

Meanwhile, the photo of all star Andrea Pirlo speaks louder than any more words can say.