Dino and Phyl in the 1970's

1979 Phyl and Dino were blessed with four girls. The first one, Mary is 11; next are the identical twins, Joan and Carol aged ten. It was a surprise to the doctor when the twins were born. He had no idea. Phyl found it difficult to breathe when she was pregnant. The first twin born was Joan; five minutes later Carol was born. They were both big enough to take home with her. They were pretty babies. My husband and I went to visit Phyl and Dino and to see our new granddaughters. We met the doctor who delivered the babies. He said to me, “I am so ashamed I didn't even know they would be twins.” We didn't have twins in my family or Dino's family, so it was a surprise to everyone. They are now tall and beautiful. Laura, their fourth daughter, was born two years later. Laura is eight years old. She has a mind of her own. She is very independent and a smart little girl.

Dino is a very active person. He decided to add another room to their home. He had his one car garage made into a family room, and added a two car garage. Then he built a tall shed attached to the back of the house and a gazebo in the backyard. The girls loved playing in it. The little children on the street would go to play with them. This place was in Tarrytown, N.Y.

Phyl and Dino are very active in their town; they do a lot of church work. They also taught C.C.D. and joined the Family Encounter. Phyl and Dino are happy in their home. They are glad they bought a house before they got married. Their family is growing up fast. Usually I would spend a week when the grandchildren were born to help the mothers with the baby, cook, clean, and do whatever I could.

1971 When Phyl informed us that she was going to bless us with another grandchild we were happy for her. She already had three, one a little older and the twins. Her fourth child, Laura, was born on June 10, 1971. We were now blessed with 23 grandchildren: eight grandsons and 15 granddaughters. My husband and I were happy to go to all their christenings, first communions, confirmations and graduations.

When Laura was born I couldn't go. My husband had had a heart attack and I was not able to leave him. My husband suggested I go to help Phyl for at least one day. When Phyl called up she would say, “How is Dad? Why haven't you been here to visit lately.”

I would answer, “He is too busy and we can't get away.” We figured if we told Phyl about her father she would get too upset, and it would make things harder with the birth. This way she could recover faster. One day Carmela picked me up and we went to Tarrytown. First I fixed my husband's lunch and told him not to go off the porch.

When Carm and I got to Phyl's we made her stay in bed most of the day to rest. I cooked her meals for two days and put them in the refrigerator. Of course, I made the traditional chicken soup. I also bathed the baby. Carm also cleaned the house and watered all Phyl's plants. Phyl was happy that we came. I explained all about her father being sick. That was the reason we had not come to visit.

When we got home, Tony was sitting on the porch. An elderly woman, a friend, was there chatting with him.

Phyl's mother-in-law is a good woman. She does a lot of baby-sitting for her daughter-in-law. Sometimes she would cook a meal or bake a cake and send it to Phyl.