I read it in one breath
Yesterday I received the new issue no. 3/07 of your magazine, I would say our magazine, "Ombre e Luci", rich, it seems to me more than others, with so much light, that light which gives hope for the future, despite the difficulties that every family with a disabled person faces.
I usually read it in the few scraps of time I find. And after having leafed through it quickly, this morning starting from "Tell me about him" I read all the pages, appreciating greatly the article on "Art Therapy" as well. Two articles rich in so many prompts and deep reflections, as is "A bolt from the blue" which, like the others, draws you in and you cannot help but stop and reflect. After all, the remaining news items, as well as the letters, are cause, I would say, for meditation. I am retired, but I bend over backwards to make room for reading or the occasional glance at the television, the latter increasingly less educational and full of bad news, as though nothing good ever happened in this world.
Certainly "a falling tree makes more noise than a growing forest", but perhaps positive news, of which there is much, would be more in keeping with the reality of everyday life.
A little time, a few hours when I can, I dedicate to Isaia, my twenty-year-old son with spastic tetraparesis and psychosis with autistic traits, who requires continuous assistance, except when he sleeps.
This time, however, I read "Ombre e Luci" in one breath, and as you suggest I will return to read it again, to internalise in particular those pieces of news or suggestions which we find it most difficult to accept with hope for the future, even for when that "After Us" time comes.
I have been reading you for some years now, and I think that magazines so rich in humanity, Christian spirit, and Catholicism are not to be found, a thank you for everything you give us.
I do not know whether it may be of use to you, but I am sending some reflections written on the occasion of our son Isaia's 18th year, two years ago, which briefly describe his life.
Many good wishes for the now approaching Holy Christmas, may every day beside our disabled children be such, rich in expectations and so many stars real or dreamed, as always happens when a child is born, even if different, as we all are.
Marini Marino Calvisano (BS)
We asked some parents, our readers since 1983, to send us photos of their children, the inspirers of the magazine. Without them, Ombre e Luci would not be where it is today. These are some of the letters that accompanied the photos, which you will find framed in blue with rounded corners.
With the oldest means, for me the most beautiful, I send you Roberto's photo from 1983. And my most affectionate greeting. I always read your little journal with such joy and tenderness, which I can tell you has helped me not to feel alone. Especially your dedications to our children, to mothers, to fathers, to friends who are no longer with us. Even if we do not see each other often, I feel you always near, with the same affection as thirty years ago. So many years have passed since we first met (1973) at "Scuola Serena": we were bringing our special children, with so many dreams, with our illusions, with so much sorrow in our hearts. But we were also courageous mothers: battles at home and outside; I do not know how many we have won, but we fought them. You introduced me to F&L, so many mothers, fathers and many friends, religious and otherwise. Then together again at the camp in Alfedena (1976) and others still. Assisi, Loreto, Fiuggi, Lourdes. Lourdes was a wonderful experience I have never forgotten. Before the grotto of the apparition, all together hand in hand praying for one another, we were one. I remember the songs, music, the prayers and such joy. Since then the Madonna and Jesus have given me the strength to keep going always, despite everything; the adversities, the sorrows, the separations. After the storm an infinite peace. I always remember an issue of Ombre e Luci from years ago on the theme: "The most beloved children", a piece whose author I cannot recall, which says:
A man considered wise was asked one day: you who have many children, tell us who is your favourite? The man replied: "Among my children the one I prefer is the smallest for as long as he has not grown up. The one who is far away, for as long as he has not returned. The one who is a prisoner until he shall be set free. The one who is tried, until he is consoled. The one who is sick until he is healed.
That is, for him they were all favourites in the moment of need. But what of the one who is sick until he shall be healed — if this shall never come to pass, if someone tells you that your child will not walk, will not speak, will not play, will not work and perhaps will not recognise you as his mother? Then he will be your favourite forever.
I embrace you with affection and unchanged friendship.
Lina Cusimano, Mother of Roberto, Rome
It was my wish to bring Augusta's photo in person also to see again Signora Mariangela Bertolini whom I met at Lourdes in 1968, but my commitments as a grandmother prevented me from doing so. Our angel flew to heaven already eleven years ago leaving in all of us a painful regret. I send it, therefore, with wishes of every blessing for you the editorial staff and for the great family of "Ombre e Luci".
Adriana Lunghi, Mother of Augusta, Rome
Thank you for joining me as an "old devoted friend" in the "remembrance" of Marina! She rejoiced with all of you for thirty years and for that I am grateful!... I remember her with such affection and embrace her.
Maria Antonella Bianchi, Alba Adriatica (TE)
I thank you for remembering Maurizio, I gladly send you two photos hoping to see one in the next issue. Warm greetings to all.
Liliana Tomassoli, Perugia
I received your kind request: I recall with nostalgia my first visit to the Collegio Nazareth...with padre Claude Rotinet. Years have passed: Ludovico is 37 years old, he works in the morning at Inaf, I on the other hand am going through a difficult time with my health and I commend myself to your prayers. I remember Nicole with affection. Thank you once again, we hope to meet again.
Francesca Grimaldi, Rome
I send you the photo of Michele, which dates back more or less to the first period of Fede e Luce. In the always vivid and affectionate memory of all the people who were close to me.
Delia Mitolo, Bari
I am pleased that to celebrate the 100th issue you are collecting photos of our older boys and girls. I always receive your "Ombre e Luci" with joy, it is rich in so much love for our young people and in so many experiences and reflections for us parents. Warm regards and good work.
Carla Perozzi, Rome
I am sending you some photos of Giuliana taken in the early years of Fede e Luce in Bari...
A fond greeting to the entire editorial staff with esteem and affection, also on behalf of Irene.
Renato Loiudice, Bari
I am very flattered by the request for a photo of my son Roberto Masci born in Rome on 9 August 1950...as a mother I thank the entire Editorial Staff for their choice and I confess that I am very proud to be part of Fede e Luce. By coming to know and see so much suffering in families, I have become more human and I try to help mothers and young people morally within my means. ..
Vittoria Masci D'Orazio, Rome
I received your letter with joy. The years pass, I am 87 years old but for my part I have always held you in my heart. I remember that I was desperate when Roberto was small, but finding myself with you gave me the strength to overcome so much sadness. I remember that Madre Ida prepared Roberto to make his First Communion. We were like one big family. Now Roberto is at the Collegio Raggio di Sole and comes home on Saturdays and Sundays.
A fond greeting to all
P.S. Roberto is now a fine young man, although he cannot read or write. He does it only in his own way.
Anna Rosa Casinghini, Rome
Even though so far away, I always follow you with great affection. As soon as I received your letter I found myself looking back with such nostalgia at the photos of the many celebrations and pilgrimages we experienced together. I use the word "experienced" because, in my view, at Fede e Luce one does not simply participate, but one lives an emotion that then accompanies you for the rest of your existence, whatever life may bring you to do. I lost myself among a myriad of memories, friends I have not seen for a long time or who are simply no longer with us. Among the many photos I found one (p. 2) of the old group "Ascensione" which we took during a weekend in Fiuggi...
I very much hope to be able to embrace you all soon perhaps on the occasion of the next Spring Festival, who knows! The ways of the Lord are infinite, even if at times they go a little too steeply uphill.
A great greeting to all of you from
Rosa Staforte S.Ippolito (PS)
I am sending you the photograph of Sergio taken in '85. You choose whether you prefer it in black and white or in colour. Your letter and the remembrance of him moved me and gave me such joy. The warmest wishes for your work and an embrace.
Carmen Fiumi, Rome