I just received that article, and I loved it. I'm Joe Joe Monte, Rose Marie's third son. It was a priceless blessing to read the article. We lived around the corner from Aunt Theresa and visited often. I'm 61 years old and family history seems to hold more value and to honor the LEGENDS that went before us.
Hello Joe! I'm so happy to meet you here, and I'm glad you loved the story I wrote. It's so cool you all lived around the corner from my grandparents and were so close.
What a story about your family history Theresa, beautifully told. I love the way you opened it with the old schoolhouse image, including the prominent 1924 above the door, and then the way you ended it with your statement that "we are all the same, needing love, comfort and a place to call home."
Well that sure put a whole new dimension into my morning ! Thank you....now this New Year's day is filled with all this fabulous information on your great granddad and your name sake great grandmother, Granny. And onto your grandfather and your father and mother. They and the scent of the rooms and the breezes and the humble honesty with which you've told this story, will stay with me for quite some time. Thank you. (and memories of my grandfather and the scent of whiskey on him and my own great Uncle Charles teaching me how to play cards, are all pouring into me now). Such a good way to start the new year. Thank you so much.
Thank you Mary! To be clear though, Granny and Grandpa (Theresa & Vincent) are my grandparents, my dad’s parents. I didn’t know my great-grandparents (Granny’s parents) except for stories handed down. I’m happy you enjoyed the story and that it added a spark to your New Year’s Day. ❤️
AH. Okay. I do keep thinking of things you wrote....and feeling into them....some issues are particular to a generation of people and some issues are "up" for a few generations. And I'm at the time in my life when I'm thinking on such things.
Absolutely stunning and deeply moving, Theresa. You have a gift for words to capture emotion, place, space, and feeling, as you do with your photography. What a gorgeous thing to read as I head into the new year here in mountain, Taos, time.
I smelled every smell, saw the places and spaces.
I loved the “24” anchoring, and was drawn in immediately.
Thank you Maggie. I appreciate your wonderful endorsement. As I’ve moved forward with writing, I’ve learned how important are the details. It can be taxing to fill in the spaces, but I think I’m getting the hang of it! ❤️
Thank you for sharing such vivid images of your family’s immigrant story. I love the determination and spunk you portray— traits that carried through to you and Jo Rae. Beautifully captivating. ❤️
This is a wonderful portrait of Italian immigrants landing at Ellis Island, suitcases heavy with the promise of America, each one of them with their own hopes and dreams.
You have beautifully brought to life,
Theresa DiMenno, the deep connection with family and you've done it without judgment or blame . I want to know these people .
I want to dance with them. Tradition and pride are woven through your storytelling like linguine through the red sauce.
“ … suitcases heavy with the promise of America, … “ great line Monica. I felt it was important to talk about the dark shadows of the family history. I did my best to convey it without going into the details. I’m relieved you felt I did it without blame or judgment. Italian food was always at the heart of any gathering. I can smell it too.
It's interesting , isn't it , that family history is often not what we heard as young kids. if something isn't talked about and there's plenty that shouldn't be dug up, just keep it 6 feet under, we never get the whole truth or we get one person's truth and sometimes that in itself is drenched in booze. People come to America from all over, they always have, to better provide for their families .
In some cases they come here to reinvent themselves, or reinvent their personal history.
You’re welcome! I had no idea you were unaware of Uncle Michael’s drumming. I’m surprised you and Joe didn’t discuss it when you were in Tennessee. That blows my mind. I’m glad you know it now. Would be interesting if you two could have a conversation. ❤️
Your grandmother and my grandfather were brother and sister
I just received that article, and I loved it. I'm Joe Joe Monte, Rose Marie's third son. It was a priceless blessing to read the article. We lived around the corner from Aunt Theresa and visited often. I'm 61 years old and family history seems to hold more value and to honor the LEGENDS that went before us.
Hello Joe! I'm so happy to meet you here, and I'm glad you loved the story I wrote. It's so cool you all lived around the corner from my grandparents and were so close.
What a story about your family history Theresa, beautifully told. I love the way you opened it with the old schoolhouse image, including the prominent 1924 above the door, and then the way you ended it with your statement that "we are all the same, needing love, comfort and a place to call home."
Wonderful stories and photos! Thank you
This is a beautiful story about our family and I felt like I was there again; sitting at Granny’s kitchen table and taking it all in. ❤️
Thank you! Feeling like you were there is the best testament! Love you.
I previously commented I was going to mention that I remember we only called your grandpa uncle Jim
Well that sure put a whole new dimension into my morning ! Thank you....now this New Year's day is filled with all this fabulous information on your great granddad and your name sake great grandmother, Granny. And onto your grandfather and your father and mother. They and the scent of the rooms and the breezes and the humble honesty with which you've told this story, will stay with me for quite some time. Thank you. (and memories of my grandfather and the scent of whiskey on him and my own great Uncle Charles teaching me how to play cards, are all pouring into me now). Such a good way to start the new year. Thank you so much.
Thank you Mary! To be clear though, Granny and Grandpa (Theresa & Vincent) are my grandparents, my dad’s parents. I didn’t know my great-grandparents (Granny’s parents) except for stories handed down. I’m happy you enjoyed the story and that it added a spark to your New Year’s Day. ❤️
AH. Okay. I do keep thinking of things you wrote....and feeling into them....some issues are particular to a generation of people and some issues are "up" for a few generations. And I'm at the time in my life when I'm thinking on such things.
Absolutely stunning and deeply moving, Theresa. You have a gift for words to capture emotion, place, space, and feeling, as you do with your photography. What a gorgeous thing to read as I head into the new year here in mountain, Taos, time.
I smelled every smell, saw the places and spaces.
I loved the “24” anchoring, and was drawn in immediately.
Lovely. Keep it up, and happy new year.
Thank you Maggie. I appreciate your wonderful endorsement. As I’ve moved forward with writing, I’ve learned how important are the details. It can be taxing to fill in the spaces, but I think I’m getting the hang of it! ❤️
Thank you for sharing such vivid images of your family’s immigrant story. I love the determination and spunk you portray— traits that carried through to you and Jo Rae. Beautifully captivating. ❤️
This is a wonderful portrait of Italian immigrants landing at Ellis Island, suitcases heavy with the promise of America, each one of them with their own hopes and dreams.
You have beautifully brought to life,
Theresa DiMenno, the deep connection with family and you've done it without judgment or blame . I want to know these people .
I want to dance with them. Tradition and pride are woven through your storytelling like linguine through the red sauce.
I can smell the Parm and the garlic
The oregano and the basil.
“ … suitcases heavy with the promise of America, … “ great line Monica. I felt it was important to talk about the dark shadows of the family history. I did my best to convey it without going into the details. I’m relieved you felt I did it without blame or judgment. Italian food was always at the heart of any gathering. I can smell it too.
It's interesting , isn't it , that family history is often not what we heard as young kids. if something isn't talked about and there's plenty that shouldn't be dug up, just keep it 6 feet under, we never get the whole truth or we get one person's truth and sometimes that in itself is drenched in booze. People come to America from all over, they always have, to better provide for their families .
In some cases they come here to reinvent themselves, or reinvent their personal history.
I would love to hear more.
Tell it like it is, as the song goes.🎙️
Thank you for this. So much I didn't know, including Uncle Michael being a drummer. Heartfelt family history. Loved it!
my grandfather Joseph Battaglia was Theresa’s brother. My mother was Rose Marie Battaglia married name Monte
You’re welcome! I had no idea you were unaware of Uncle Michael’s drumming. I’m surprised you and Joe didn’t discuss it when you were in Tennessee. That blows my mind. I’m glad you know it now. Would be interesting if you two could have a conversation. ❤️