Great-grandfather Gennaro Rizzo, World War I Italian Army Cavaliere (cavalry) uniform

On Memorial Day I recall my Great-grandfather Gennaro Rizzo’s heroic November 1918 efforts, darting between Eastern Alps mountain passes and barrage of bullets, carrying armloads of ammunition pressed to his chest with determination to reach the Italian Army artillery cut off by enemy fire.  His bravery won him a Vittorio Veneto World War I Italian Medal of Honor. (See story in Coraggio! Book #1, page 25, and attached photo of Gennaro Rizzo in Italian Cavaliere (Cavalry) uniform.)

I silently bestow a Medal of Honor to my Great-grandmother Giuseppina, who during that same time courageously birthed her third daughter, cared for her three-year old and six-year-old daughters, and fostered and sold fig crops for income — all without her husband – and with fearless faith, determination, and Coraggio.

On this day, while I honor all the men who have served in wars, I acknowledge and bless all the women who fervently prayed for their safe return, who carried on the family farm, or entered the work force while their husbands and sons were away.  These women who determinedly raised children and cared for elderly family with whatever celebration could be created from rations, so children could experience a semblance of normalcy, joy and family love despite the void from absent family members and resources. 

I breathe in the strength and courage these women exuded to overcome the emotional and financial struggles of their day. The strength and courage of their example helps me heal the emotional strain and financial worries of the previous week and fortifies me against any potential emotional strain and financial worry of the week to come. Their simple but indomitable carrying-on of life sparks the wisdom and intuition I need to carry on with joy and purpose. Coraggio!

Coraggio’s message of encouragement live on Fritze & Friends tomorrow from 5:45 pm – 6 pm WILS AM 1320 for Mid-Michigan listeners or live-streamed at www.1320wils.com  Join us on your ride home!

Gracious radio host Cheryl Fritze will not only engage an energetic conversation about the important lessons learned from mothers, she’ll help spread Coraggio’s message of

**reframing a difficult situation to view it in a fresh, positive way, and

**making a daily gratitude list to boost hope and internal joy!

What a boost of enthusiasm it was to meet each of the Young and Fun Despite MG during the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation America national conference in Baltimore MD!  They are truly living life with courage and grace despite MG!

I especially enjoyed bonding over similar life challenges faced by the young & fun:

• The Dating Scene – whaddya say?
• Will my friends ever include me again after canceling on dance night at the bar because my MG was acting up?
• Is gym workout lifestyle possible after MG diagnosis?
• Bikini or not bikini after thymectomy?
• The dreaded prednisone bloat

Let’s keep encouraging each other!  Post your latest thoughts!

Not only did our mother give us life, she taught us life lessons through the years of love, patience and courage.  We may not have been aware of her worries or heartaches because she wrapped us in loving arms or brought us belly laughs by her infectious laughter.

We bow our heads in gratitude and utter a prayer for our mother, our grandmothers, the religious sisters who guided us, the teachers who educated us, and all others in mothering, mentoring roles in our life.  To honor them we carry forward with love, laughter and courage!

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month started with several hundred participants at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Baltimore Conference.

Coraggio! was there to help raise awareness of muscle weakness symptoms and encourage those with MG and their family members that a fulfilled life of purpose and joy is possible! 

If ever you pondered whether our loved ones look down on us and bless us after passing to the next world hear this:

At the Memorial Service for 93 year-old Great-Uncle Matthew Ciaramitaro yesterday I told the story of Uncle Matthew, in his quiet and caring way, helped Nonna become independent after her husband/my grandfather passed.  Many relatives had no idea of Uncle Matt’s humble act.  Hours later the Lansing State Journal printed an article featuring Tuesday’s Coraggio! book-signing.  The one paragraph excerpt the LSJ chose out of all the 346 pages?  You guessed it?  Uncle Matt’s story…

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011105010509

Mille Grazie to the Italian American Cultural Society, Clinton Twp, MI for inviting Coraggio to be a part of its Nonna’s Pasta Nite (all u can eat pasta!), Tuesday, April 5, with encore presentation at Senior’s Meeting, April 6, 10 a.m.  http://www.iacsonline.net/calendar.html

Mille Grazie (many thanks) to the Italian Tribune (La Tribuna del Popolo) of Clinton Twp, Mi for its marvelous half-page article on Coraggio!  You made my Bella Nonna’s (beautiful grandmother’s) spirit shine for all!  I am quite sure Nonna is smiling from heaven for your kindness and generosity, and on the many contacts that resulted from the article.

American Catholic Radio will air today an interview about Coraggio! book #4, and my thoughts about encouraging society to value the lives of people with disabilities and honoring those at the end of life.  The interview will also air throughout the week of January 17^th, leading up to the March of Life in Washington, D.C. on January 24, 2011.

God Bless Judy Zarick, Producer/Media Productions for St. Anthony Messenger Press, who followed the Spirit’s calling and gave tremendous effort to spreading the important message of protecting, advocating and reaching out with life-affirming compassion to our chronically ill and terminally ill brothers and sisters! Feel free to express your gratitude to her via her online link.

You can listen online by going to www.franciscanmedia.org . Look for American Catholic Radio and click on Current Program over to the right — “Living Faith” segment of program # 11-04.

(Coraggio Book #4 is expected to be available early this spring.)

Be Bold Feel Beautiful Gala tonight!  Terri Shaver’s passionate vision to photograph women undergoing cancer treatment and her courageous pursuit of the dream to empower women to feel beautiful at a time when they might not. Last year’s gala attended by 50…this year’s moving fundraiser event over 200!! Surrounded by photos of BEAUTIFUL and COURAGEOUS women – the essence of courage from Terri to each of the 60 women thus far photographed. I am honored to know this nurse-photographer.

http://beboldfeelbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/11/calendars-selling-like-hotcakes.html