"I was tired of trying, explaining, starting over, and introducing my son Francesco, who has Down syndrome and is 15 years old.
Then one day we found you...". "My husband and I try to open our hearts to others. We encounter so much suffering around us, often caused by injustice, and we try to give love."
Your Invitation
I'm sending you some names of people who might be interested in the magazine. Several are families living with a disabled family member—people I met through research on disability. I was struck by how often disability remains a isolating factor, not just for the person but for the whole family. Perhaps some will accept your invitation, and the magazine may offer to others the help and support it already provides for so many. Thank you for your work.
Maria Teresa
Tired of Starting Over
I joined your "family" about a year ago, and I couldn't be happier. A friend had been encouraging me for some time to discover Fede e Luce, but I was tired of trying, explaining, starting over, and introducing my son Francesco, who has Down syndrome and is 15 years old.
Then one day we found you. Together with my son, we experienced an outpouring of care and affection from friends we had never met before. Francesco himself—a wary and mistrustful boy around strangers—opened up. He became calmer, more trusting of others. He felt the warmth in the room when we were all together, and it became his own. We've grown so close to these people in our group that I have only one fear: that one day we might learn the friends have disappeared and left us alone again.
Elisa Sturlese
I'm Enthusiastic
I've been reading Ombre e Luci for some time now, and I'm enthusiastic about the faith that animates how it approaches pain and love.
I have poliomyelitis. I entered the working world through many obstacles. I had a wonderful mother who always tried to help me find my place in society and who had tremendous faith and a deep desire to open her heart to everyone.
I work at the USL in Macerata. My husband and I try to open our hearts to others. We encounter so much suffering around us, often caused by injustice, and we try to give love.
We love your magazine and everything it stands for. That's why we're sending these addresses, hoping some will subscribe. Warm regards.
Maria Teresa Zanoni
With Deep Affection
I read Brunella D'Amico's article. I was moved by the great love and support her mother gave her while expecting Manuela, whom she welcomed as a gift from God despite her disability. I suffered deeply too when I first met Manuela, and I've grown so attached to her and to the other two children. I'm with them always in my heart. Brunella and Massimo have shown me so much kindness and affection, and I thank them deeply. I remember with joy when I sent Brunella my wishes while she was expecting Carletto in America, and I send them again with all my love, even though we see each other rarely.
Mirella Stefani