There is no place on earth like Italy. The people, the food, the passion. Like most places, the forties, the fifties were not pleasant. War, hunger, struggle, pain, sacrifice. I heard many negative things of that time period that made me understand the reason why my family had their sights on a new life. A dream that eventually brought them to Canada.

My father worked hard. I don’t think it was a choice but a requirement. A requirement to live, but not like the way we live today. They seemed to live a simpler life made of bread and wine, family and friends, experiences not things. Seeing pictures of my young father working with the trebbia, a machine that helped separate grain from the straw on the farm, reassured me that my definition of work, like others, was not the same as my parents’ generation.

The land brought them luscious food, a livelihood, opportunity and for some love. One of the many jobs my dad had was to work in the fields of his future father-in-law, my grandfather. I can only imagine the first time my dad saw my mother.

My dad could sing, not like Elvis but like the Italian singing legends Claudio Villa and Luciano Pavarotti. He was very fit, a competitive cyclist at that time. My mother, younger than my dad, seemed to have captured the hearts of many people. I recall the countless number of people telling me that she was always kind hearted. He lived down the street from my mother, a la croce, at the cross in Pietrafitta, Cosenza, Italia.

Like many other Italian families at that time, they eventually immigrated all over the world. First came one member of the family to ensure opportunity, and then others followed. This was an example of true sacrifice. Many family trees have been altered due to immigration. Some never got to know their grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters.

A new generation was developing roots in a foreign land. Both sets of my future grandparents eventually settled in North Bay, Ontario, Canada with most of their families. The hope for a better life brought them to a new world. Ultimately, it must have been for the right reason – opportunity. All their sacrifices, small and large, must have been devastating but there was no time to dwell. It was time to find work.

My mother had few jobs, but she worked at those jobs for very long periods of time. Commitment and loyalty were part of her nature. She described her time at work in the service industry, such as at Demarco’s, as being rewarding. Amongst other things, she was able to learn and practice a new language. She was able to provide for herself and her family.

My father had many jobs, but all primarily involved manual labour. He became known as a well-respected bricklayer that was very particular with the quality of his work.

It is my understanding that many immigrant families came over to this new land during the same time period. Although they were primarily strangers to each other, they had much in common. The common thread of being a foreigner, was part of the fabric of the new Canada that was evolving.

On May 27, 1967 my parents got married. It was the day that solidified their commitment to one another in ways that they could have never imagined.

I believe that my mother adapted to the North American lifestyle better than my dad. She certainly had a large part in helping to maintain long standing traditions but also had a significant role in starting new traditions as well. These new experiences helped all of us “fit in” better. We went to stage plays, amusement parks, played English music, and even tried new types of food.

On February 20, 1975 I was born. They finally got their cherished child. When we arrived home, the entire family was there. This included my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. This two-bedroom home, a fraction of the size of many modern homes, held many memories. Being an only child came with its perks but certainly its drawbacks too. Although I have no biological siblings, I grew up with many cousins that treated me like a brother.

It was my first year of high school when I first experienced the death of a family member. My grandfather, my best friend, passed away. The passing of one grandparent was followed by the other. It was a difficult time but it brought the family together.

The “old country” is what many immigrants refer to as their place of birth. Although I was continuously surrounded by Italian traditions, language and food, I always hoped to see the origins of these special cultural characteristics that I cherish. My dream came true. I got to see most of the country of Italy, along with my parent’s hometown. I will never forget this trip, not just because of the world-renowned sights but the reception of family and old friends that we received. Knowing how close I was with family in Canada, I could only imagine how different my life would be with my new found family if we lived closer together. Leaving them was incredibly difficult.

At the core of every community are common values. The celebration and acknowledgement of these values help pass them down from generation to generation. The Italian community established a central location for everyone to come together to unit. Whether it be through sports, story telling, music or food it was an opportunity to share our values with one another that make us one. The DAVEDI Club was that place for my parents, my family, my community. Although new “seeds” were being planted throughout the community as each family settled into their new homeland, The Club was a common place where we got our “nutrients” to help our seeds flourish. My parents enjoyed The Club until they could no more.

They always wished for me a better life with a beautiful family. That day had arrived when my wife and I got married and eventually had our beautiful children. Although my prayers had been answered, I know my parents’ prayers were being answered as well. For many years it was only the three of us, my parents and I. Now, our family had grown. Our children meant the world to my parents.

Despite hardships, struggles and sacrifices that I witnessed and experienced, I can comfortably say that I have been blessed with a great upbringing. These experiences shape who we are, and their effects can inspire generations.

Excerpts from Unbreakable Vows written by Carlo Antonio Celebre