I have been in the fire service for over 30 years. I’ve encountered and handled almost every type of emergency situation. But when something devastating hits at home, it’s a different ball game.
My mom was diagnosed with cancer just prior to her 80th birthday in October 2015. She passed on December 28th. No matter their age, losing a parent is hard. They’ll always be your parent. It’s been a tough hit for my brothers and me – but so much more for my dad, who had shared over 63 years of his life with her.
Through every tragedy there are opportunities, if you’re open to seeing them. Since my mom died, My Dad and I have been having more heart-to-heart talks and doing new things together. I see him in a different light and I feel so fortunate for this time with him. Unfortunately, it has taken a tragedy for this to happen. I guess we get too comfortable in life.
My dad, an old-school Italian guy, loves anise cookies. A week or so ago, searching for a way to cheer him up, I called Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery in Cathedral City. Frankie answered and I told him the story of my mom and that I was looking for some special cookies to bring a smile to my dad’s face.
Without hesitation Frankie invited me and my dad – at no charge, as his guest – to his monthly musical dinner show the next evening. I was amazed at the gesture but also a little hesitant – my dad and I had never done that sort of thing together. But then I figured, why not give it a shot? After all, “Life is Uncertain.”
From the moment we arrived, Frankie and his staff made my dad feel so special. Like family. My dad needed this night. We talked, laughed, shed a few tears, sang, and ate great Italian food. We did something different that struck me as both odd and funny: We dipped Italian cookies in our wine. It was a night I will always remember – one of the best experiences we have shared together. My dad relaxed, but in a different way – with me. I won’t forget this night…
Losing someone can make life seem cruel. But through all of this, I have found the opposite. There are an incredible amount of loving people out there if you open yourself to them.
It wasn’t until after that night at Frankie’s that I visited the store’s website and saw their slogan: “La Vita e’ Incerta… Mangiare Biscotti Prima.” It means “Life Is Uncertain… Eat Cookies First.”
Life certainly is uncertain. Don’t take it or people for granted. And share some cookies!
This one is for you, Mom. I know you were watching down on me and Dad that night, and smiling.
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
*** To some other very sweet people: Tracey Dietlin of the CV Weekly; my mom’s caretaker and now family friend, Adriana Rosas; and the doctors, nurses and staff at Eisenhower Hospital: God Bless You!
