1979 Continued

My son John helps whenever he can. His company sends him to work in many different states. John works for a combustion company. He goes around fixing large boilers in hospitals, schools, prisons and ships. They are run with electric dials. Sometimes he meets up with tough jobs. When John is home, he has plenty of jobs to do around his own home. He is a commander in the American Legion. When he has time he also works around the Legion house. John just joined the Elks Club. He also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is an exempt fireman in Closter. His brother Tony also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Tony has been the treasurer for about ten years. Tony has belonged to the Closter Firemen about 30 years. He also belongs to the Lions Club and the Lawn Maintenance Organization. John and Tony are good citizens.

When John was a little boy, I had a saying I used to use when I wanted something done. I used to say, “Do it for God and your country.” He would think it was a joke. Now that he has been in the service and out, he knows it is not a joke. It is true. He is doing his share for both.

Carmela will be 50 in 1979, as will Lorraine in 1980. I have two sons and one son-in-law who are all over 50. On their 50th birthday I give them $50.

The families are all growing up, but we all miss my husband Tony. He was always making jokes and making everyone laugh. Of course, he wasn't always in a cheerful mood. There were times when things didn't go his way, or someone didn't do things to please him; then he would get into a crabby mood. Don't we all react that way when things don't go right?

My daughter Carmela is a dear. She makes sure I'm kept happy as possible. I live alone but she makes sure I eat right and dress right. She always tells me, “Mom, there is no excuse for you to wear anything dirty or unironed. You are 73, but, thank God, still capable to do for yourself. Go on trips with the senior citizens, keep your circle of friends. Visit my two sisters as often as you please. They love having you.” Ever since her dad passed away, she helps me with my business matters. She takes me shopping for shoes and clothing. She has me for dinner almost every Sunday when I'm home. Mario and Carm bought a new four door car, so now they can take me for rides with them. All my children take turns having me on holidays. I am a lucky mom. Thank God, my in-laws are like my own children that way. I try to treat everyone equally.

Carm and Mario's oldest daughter, Terry, is a high school English teacher in Montville, N.J. She has made many new friends. She is 25 years old and a lovely granddaughter. Terry is very artistic; every holiday she sends me cards she has made.

Their second daughter, Denise, lives in Maryland. She works for the government at Fort Meade. She has a small apartment. She bought a new car since her old one was giving her problems. Denise is a lot like her dad. She is always smiling and cheerful. She always has a good word for everyone. My daughter is going to take me to visit Denise soon.

Marion, their youngest, is 16 years old. She is a junior at Northern Valley Regional High School. She belongs to the school band, orchestra, the Drama club and the Spanish club. She plays the piano beautifully. Sometimes she plays solos on the piano for school plays. She inherited that from her dad. Mario loves music and plays the trumpet. Sometimes they play together; it really sounds good. Terry also plays the piano, the guitar, and sings. They all enjoy themselves when they play together.

Carmela and her family moved into a new house about seven years ago. It is a lovely place in a nice neighborhood. It has seven rooms, a two car garage, and has a large backyard with a patio. The schools, library and church are all within walking distance. When I go to the senior citizen meeting at Saint Mary's I walk to Carm's house after the meeting.