White Girl Living In An Italian World

I was the white girl and they were the Italian family; but somehow, maybe over espressos, vino, and giant plates of pasta swirled with Nonna's special sauce, I was voted in. My official title was the nanny and while I thought it would be a temporary job, I ended up working for the Palazzolos for five years. When I started, Isabella was beginning full-day Kindergarten and Gianna had just turned one and was learning to walk, still unsteady on her feet. Now, high school is on the horizon and they're constantly enthralled with their virtual worlds of Snapchat and FaceTiming with friends. My rank of importance might have dropped a bit, but the bond grew deeper. They will always be my girls and Tony and Angie are two of the most wonderful people I have ever known. It has evolved from me watching their babies, to them watching my daughter sometimes. We have become family and not in a creepy, My 5 Wives, kind of way. Tony is like the older brother that I never had. He was always a great person to work for, he looks out for me, and he gives great advice and I have a lot of respect for him. He likes to wave at imaginary people to trick you into looking, which he thinks is hilarious, and he also teases me about being a white girl from the sticks. I may have to consciously make an effort to not let my eyes roll out of my head when these two jokes repeat themselves, every day, but I try to do it when he isn't looking so as not to bruise his Italian cannoli-style ego (hard exterior, big softy on the inside).  He is Avery's Zio Tony and he is infamous for sneaking her chocolate, letting her binge-watch Mickey Mouse, and helping her perfect her Australian accent.

To say that Angie has become one of my best friends would be an understatement. It probably helps because she thinks I'm wicked smart. I'm not, but I throw out a big vocabulary word here and there to keep up appearances. In reality, I learn a lot more from her, especially when it comes to being a good friend. When, my husband decided he wanted to end our marriage and I couldn't bear to be in my empty house, she sat on her couch with me while I cried. When I lost my job, she told me it would be ok and they could help me. When Avery was born, she was one of the first people at the hospital with a cake that she had planned to serve at the surprise baby shower she was supposed to be hosting for me that night. She threw me a beautiful party for my 30th birthday. And when I was diagnosed with cancer, there she was...standing outside her car, waiting for me as I returned from the doctor. She doesn't ask for anything in return because she is just always giving of herself. She will tell you that its because I cared for and loved her daughters; but, that was the easy part. Living up to her and Tony's generosity will be something I can never pay back but will always pay forward.


This was Angie's perspective:

I was waiting for Ashley to text me to tell me her biopsy showed it was nothing! I mean I knew it could not be cancer because she's 29! You can't have breast cancer at 29! Then BAM, her text said it was stage 4 and it was even in her bones! I don't recall the exact time when we knew that! But I couldn't understand how that could be! I immediately got in my car to meet her at her house! I got there at the same time her and her mom did and ash was not freaking out and immediately knew I couldn't either! Even though deep down I was thinking the worst in my head! I looked at her and felt her confidence and strength and I instantly felt that this will all be good! She is going to be fine! Because she felt she would be fine!! While getting other opinions she always maintained that positive attitude and made sure to keep us all informed of every step! And, whether a text or a call she would always say that she is going to beat this! So I would believe nothing else! I won't lie, there have been times along the way that I have been scared because the thought of losing someone that is not only one of best friends but has become my family is devastating! But, ash doesn't allow for any negativity or fear and this journey has enforced that for me as well! She is truly a fighter and will be a miracle!!