“Family is a group of people related by birth, marriage or other ties.”
– Wikipedia
When you marry into an Italian family, and they decide they like you, you become part of that family forever. That does not mean you become Italian. It means you are a part of the family and that is just about as good. Even if your Italian husband dies, you are still a part of the family, forever…for as long as you live.
My husband’s younger brother (widowed like me) is getting remarried. His bride is not Italian (just like me). I like her. She makes him happy. So, she will be part of the family, even though she is not Italian. Gosh, if the family could accept me, they would, certainly, take her into the fold. The fact that so many of them are showing up for the wedding is a good sign.
The wedding weekend sounds like quite the affair, with dinners before, celebrations after, and a large, lavish cathedral wedding. Since la familia considers me part of the family, they included me. I do think that having me there somehow links everyone to their beloved brother and uncle who will be watching from Heaven.
I am the youngest of the elders attending but will be given the same privileges accorded to all family elders. I intend to, gratefully, enjoy all the perks that come with membership and share in the celebration.
