Bella Fiume

Here is a song that a dear friend of mine, Francesco sent me entitled "Bella Fiume".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chNWkxuCU6E

 Fiume no longer exists and is called Rijeka but my heart now has recaptured it through so many ways in this tecnologically advanced modern world we live in but it was through my wonderful daughter and her graduate studies in this area of history that I have been truly able to relive my parents' past. At Middlebury and at U. of Chicago my daughter  found so many incredible documents. It has been such a deeply moving and nostalgic experience for me. It is amazing how I have come to find this treasure of my past that is called Fiume now that I am retired ( well, somewhat).  I was able to read a novel called "Il Vento di Terra Perduta" (The Wind of the Lost Land) that my daughter lent me and I cannot describe to you all the memories and emotions that it conjured up in me. Those who know me well know that I have always said that it is in giving that we receive ( which I say every day in San Francesco's prayer). It is so true. Through my daughter's studies I have uncovered my true identity.  When I hear my canzoni fiumane ( my song of the past in my fiumano dialect) I am home. I just wanted to share this song with you because it is so much a part of who and what I am all about. I am so thankful to my friend, Francesco for sharing this song with me and to my daughter for all of her arduous and passionate work in my Italian family's history. Francesco is my brother Enzo's friend who came to America with us after we became expatriated. I so very much want to go on the Adriatic cruise that sails every year to remember our lost lands and our lost Italian brothers and sisters who were tragically massacred during World War II. Maybe one day soon. The song deeply captures this people's love of life as we call it "Allegria" or "joie de vivre". My dear Mamma e Papa' continually taught me to love this beautiful life given to us by God, to be cheerful and strong, and to never lose SPERANZA! It has been a lesson for me that will be forever indelibly imprinted in my soul.

Sharing a nostalgic moment with those who know me well. La Vita E Bella!
PS Nel video si puo vedere il bellissimo palazzoe dintorni del passato della mia cara famiglia.

Dorina