A Taste of Medieval

[Stephen Torelli]

For breakfast Stefano ran upstairs because grandma fried brown eggs and potatoes, but of course she let him drink coffee. And before breakfast they recited the rosary aside the big brass bed and a vivid oil painting featuring Mother Mary, Jesus, and a variety of angels.

After the medieval experience he went off to school. Sometimes for lunch he visited the aunt downstairs because she made the best lasagna in the neighborhood and finally, after arriving home from part time work with a box of pastries, Stefano ate dinner with mom, dad and brothers because mom was the best cook. Then of course the pastries would be shared with the whole family, not only members of the building but with Uncle Rocco and Aunt Mary who lived down the block and Uncle Pete and Aunt Adrian with their kids who live up the block and the rest of the relatives who lived around the corner and around the way and…

Back then we thought everyone lived like that.

[Stephen Torelli]

Thanks for your kind remarks.

[Kristine_ES]

i'm not sure what i loved more about this. the family, the sharing, the voice in which it was told. we could all benefit in these internet days from life like this, eh?

[Angela]

Great memory/narrative.  Being from a small family, your description sounds perfect.  Well written.

[Teresa]

You make me long for that life. 

[Gita]

I love "after the medieval experience!" The rest is warm and energetic and I can see a growing boy tucked safe in his extended family. That kind of boy grows up to love his wife and children and those around him. What a gift you share with us.

[bolton carley]

stephen - i always like your "old neighborhood" stories.  although you speak of ny, i often find my iowa small town experiences were similar.  i hope you still get a few pastries along the way. :)