Saturday, March 7, 2015

Abatangelo and Messa families having fun


If this picture wasn't in black and white, some of you may think it replicates some of the family fun in recent weeks. But this family event was probably held some 60 years ago or more. You all come by your love of family gatherings honestly! There is a long history of such for you to benefit from.


This picture is meaningful to me in many ways. One is that it reminds us that we aren't the first generation to enjoy a good time and silliness. Aunt Josie Albertini and Aunt Rose Albertini helped identify their Uncle Frank Abatangelo on the ground under the spigot; Esther on his legs; Walter Junior the young boy; their Aunt Bea Abatangelo on the far left, your Aunt Rose in the middle and Great Aunt Rose Jozwicki drinking from the glass. Aunt Rose tells me Esther is around 75 so I feel pretty certain this was taken at least 60 years ago.


The Messa children (Mary, Rose, Louis, Bea, Peter) didn't have a happy home life (an understatement). Most of them suffered from serious health problems in adulthood. But when they got together, good times and silliness ruled! It's a reminder that we can find strength in our family gatherings especially when times are difficult either personally or more globally.


Another reason this picture is meaningful to me was supplied by cousin Diana whose sharp eye noticed that the picture I previously posted of your grandparents was taken in the same location. She noticed the lattice work. When I looked at the both pictures more carefully, I had one of those "dope slap" revelations and realized we had 3 pictures from the same event.


We had originally been puzzling over the identity of the man on the ground. When I put these 3 pictures together it is obvious that it is Uncle Frank. Mystery of the man on the ground solved by keen observation--thanks Diana! Another reminder that family history is a family effort.

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