A Remarkable Woman in America

This story is about my mother, a resilient immigrant (later a naturalized citizen), who despite her struggles, made a life for herself and her daughter in a new country.

My parents were both Italian descendants, and my father had dual citizenship as an American and an Italian. He served in the US Army during World War II. He visited Italy in 1948, married my mother, and brought her to the States while she was two months pregnant with me. When I was a baby, he had a series of heart attacks, leading up to a massive one that killed him on a Manhattan street. My mother, who did not speak English, was left with an infant to raise by herself.

However, my mother decided to stay in the States because of the opportunities available to me. She struggled, but with her courage and determination, we made it. I am so grateful to her.

I hope this real story of her life gives insight and courage to all single mothers for the sacrifices they have to make in raising children against all odds.

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