Hello friends. So much has happened in the last couple of months since my mother crossed over. Most of it was sad but some of it uplifting. I’ll post about her death and the services over time, it’s still to fresh to do it all right now. I’d rather start with some happy times. Thank you all for your condolences and thoughts in the comments and emails. They helped me more than you could know.
We just got back from a trip home to New York City where we held a memorial service for my mother, which was attended by family and friends. This was the first time Shawna and Jacqueline (Cimion didn’t come) had a chance to sightsee in NYC since the only other time they were there was for our adoption party in 2004 and we only stayed for four days. This time we stayed 10 days and allowed ourselves plenty of time to show them around. This was also their first time on a plane so they were super excited!
San Gennaro Feast poster 2007
We were so lucky that the annual San Gennaro feast, held in Little Italy, Manhattan, was going on during our stay and we wanted our girls to experience it. Billy & I have attended this many times in the past and it’s a New York tradition.
San Gennaro Little Italy
The San Gennaro Feast, in it’s 80th year, celebrates the patron saint of Naples Italy and draws over a million people during it’s 11 day run.
We decided to beat the crowds and go on the first day, just as it was opening, because I didn’t think Shawna (who struggles with sensory issues) would be able to enjoy herself with all the crowds and noise that going in the evening or the weekend brings. So although we missed a lot of the special events, we had a much more relaxed time there.
First – we ate! That’s what this street festival is all about. We started with some sausage and pepper heros. Mangia!!
We’re digested and ready to eat again! This time we had rice balls. So delicious! Nobody makes them like New York makes them!
Shawna got a smiley face henna tattoo for my mom at one of the booths.
Feast of San Gennaro Food
Did we save room for zeppoles?
Of course we did!! YUMMY!!!
Who was San Gennaro?
San Gennaro (Saint Januarius) was born around 272 AD, near Benevento, Italy where he became a bishop. He died a martyr in 305 AD during the persecution spearheaded by Emperor Diocletian. The body of Saint Gennaro is preserved in Naples, where he is honored as the city’s principal patron.
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