At first glance, you won't see any Italian in me. I blame my father for his strong German and Scottish backgrounds. They are the reason for my paleness. However, once you ask me what I value in family, you will see that I am a true Italian.
Growing up, I've always been surrounded by my extended family. My mom's side of the family is your traditional Italian family; I'd see them at least once a week on Sundays for dinner. I always thought this routine was normal for every family. Little did I know, it wasn't. I never realized how truly fortunate I was to be constantly surrounded by family until I went away for college. I would talk with college friends about their families and how close they were with them. Some would say that their grandparents were states away and relatives were scattered all over their world. Having a weekly family dinner was even unheard of by some. I, on the other hand, had family members that lived thirty minutes away from me. I was one of the lucky few to grow up with my Italian family always there for me and teaching me valuable life lessons.
Here are my top five values I've found growing up with an Italian family:
1. Sunday family dinners
Sunday family dinners are customary in my family. We all gather around a table and discuss how our week has been with some spaghetti and meatballs. Usually, Sunday dinners take place at my grandparent's house. My family is so large that we need to have two dinner tables to fit us all! We have your traditional adult and kid's table. Being the oldest granddaughter of my mom's side of the family, I appreciate any chance to advance to the adult table. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy spending time with my younger cousins at the kid's table. It was moments at that table that made us all bond.
2. Having a loud voice is essential
If anyone knows me, they know how loud I am. I got my loud voice from my Italian family. If you wanted to be heard at the dinner table, you better speak up! Conversations are endless with my family. There is always a story that someone has to share. Whether it be my cousin telling us about him accidentally swallowing a bee while running for track, my aunt breaking her toe because she got tripped by her two competitive sons who decided to have a pushup contest at the expense of my aunt's foot. We are always laughing about something.
3. Expressing myself with hand gestures
I am a very expressive person. I enjoy talking with my hands to get my point across. Visual language isn't enough in my household. Unfortunately, I cannot have food or drinks around me when I am talking. I've been known to spill wine all over myself. My hands have a tendency to find that glass of wine and knock it over when I am expressing myself. My Italian family and I just have a true passion for talking.
4. Wine nights
Speaking of wine, the Italian women in my family are all about gathering around the table for some girl talk and a bottle of wine. It's 5 o'clock somewhere in their minds. Any time I go over my aunt's house, she immediately opens her arms for a hug and offers me a glass of wine.
5. Having a team of supporters
Growing up, I was immersed in sports. I also had one heck of a sideline team cheering me on at any tournament, compeition, or game I had. Whenever I felt unsure of myself, I would just look over to see my family rooting me on. Their support was just what I needed to carry on in the game. Winner or loser, I was always number one in their hearts.
As I go through life, I will take these Italian family traditions with me. They have taught me how grateful I am to have such a close bond with my family. We may be loud, talkative, and enjoy our food, but I wouldn't have it any other way. May that close knit bond extend for the generations to come in my Italian family.
