Friends forever, she would say—but we were more than friends. We were traveling companions on a long, hard journey, sharing the same boat.
We met in 1973 at "Scuola Serena," where we left our "special" children. She had Chicca, I had Roberto. We carried so many dreams, so much hope, and so much heartache. I had arrived in Rome just months before, where I was told I would find support and care for my son.
We were brave mothers: fighting at home and beyond to win our children's rights. I don't know how many battles we won or lost, but we faced them all.
Mariangela introduced me to Faith and Light. So many mothers and fathers with disabled children, friends both religious and not: a great family.
Later, we gathered together at the Alfedena camp in 1981 and at others after that; we made pilgrimages to Assisi, Loreto, Fiuggi, and Lourdes. That last one was a wondrous experience I have never forgotten.
All of us together in front of the Grotto of Apparitions, hand in hand, praying for one another—we were one. I remember the candlelight procession, the singing, the sounds, and so much joy; a celebration with tears streaming down our faces. From that moment on, the Madonna gave us the strength and courage to continue our long journey, despite hardship, pain, and loss. After the storm came infinite peace.
I remember Mariangela especially for her gentle way of speaking, her graceful words, dedicated to our children, to the mothers and fathers, to friends no longer with us—words that wrapped around us like a caress and made you feel you were never alone.
Thank you, Mariangela, for all of this. I feel you always near me with the same love as all those years ago.
Lina Cusimano, 2014
