Family
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. The love and support network that I had growing up can't be
overstated, and I didn't even realize how lucky I was until much later down the road. Now that most of them are thousands
of miles away, it really puts things in perspective for me. My family is always where my home will be, and I will surely
return when I find what I'm after out here in Los Angeles.
DISCLAIMER: I have a huge family. There's no way I'm spending the time to include everyone. If you're my family, and ask — hey, how
come I'm left out? It's because I've spent hours and hours and hours on this and I'd like to be done now. So, chill out.
Mom and Dad
Every day, I notice another way that I am like my parents. I also notice a way that I am different. I suppose that's what all parents want — for their children to have just enough of them, but free to become their own person. I've always considered myself an even split — my mother's emotional IQ, and my father's analytical mind. I've really tried to emulate the qualities I admire of both of them. In any case, even though I had to break my mother's big, Italian heart by moving out west, I hope in the end they will look back and be glad I had this journey. And maybe they'll even come visit eventually while their son still lives out here *looks directly into the camera*.
Siblings
In order from left to right: My sister-in-law, Lisa; my brother, Johnny; their daughter, Olivia (more on her later); me (Hi!); and of course my other brother, Christian. There's about a ten year gap between Johnny and Christian, and I'm somewhere in between. The ’middle-child syndrome’ was very pronounced with me, and I let my parents know it time and time again. I've never ACTUALLY felt slighted — my parents were very fair! But that doesn't stop me from prodding here and there. Just keeping them honest, ya know?
Olivia
Look at this precious little angel. She stole my heart the first moment I saw her, and I was absolutely honored to be asked to be her godfather. Coincidentally, I announced my move to Los Angeles about 10 minutes before my brother and sister-in-law asked me.I've been back home about 5 or 6 times since I moved out here — usually for work — but I've made it a point to see her almost every time. I get to see her on facetime every once and a while, and it amazes me how she's able to actually recognize me (I think) from the phone. I can't wait for her to get a little older so I can start to fullfil my duties as godfather — namely, teaching her things that will inevitably get me in trouble with her parents. Like, fetch (me a beer from the fridge).
Grandma
Pictured here: my Uncle Michael (also MY godfather), my mother, and between them is the matriarch of my Mom's side. Grandma, A.K.A. Josephine, A.K.A. The Queen. She is my last surviving grandparent, and so while I'd love to include them all, I'm sticking with the land of the living for this project. Grandma is near and dear to my heart. Never have I met another human soul with as much appreciation for her life, her family, and all the blessings she's received. She is a truly one of a kind person, who most of my friends also referred to as "Grandma" too. Her faith is unwavering, as is her ability to worry. It's pretty incredible, actually.
Dana
Look familiar? If not — head back over to my visual arts page and let me know. Dana is a model and actress, so Los Angeles is definitely the place to be for her. But the thing I love most about her is that she has the same — if not greater — appreciation for family as I do. It's where she wants to be, and I practically dragged her out here. She's a really sweet girl who cares about her loved ones so much it physically hurts her at times, and she's exactly who I want in my corner. We have quite the illustrious history; she's the one that got away. What they don't tell you is that sometimes the one that gets away is more like the one you're not ready for yet, and I'm good with that.