The House I Dream Of
This morning I woke up sad. I'm alone in the house. Roberto is out with his caregiver. While I work through the chores, my mind drifts into memory—sad moments mixed with happy ones, though more sad than happy, if I'm honest.
I think about the future. What will become of him?
Then the strangest ideas take hold of me. I want to do something for Roberto, and soon, because time is running short. I'm 53, and there's not much left; I just want to make a start.
In my mind's eye, I see myself buying a house—a "family home," lovely and spacious, where Roberto and other troubled young people who need a home could live together, cared for by people who want to work for them.
We could try it out first with holidays, two or three times a year, before making it permanent. This is what my heart holds. But how to make it real? When, where—only God knows.
As I'm putting all these pieces together, even doing the math on what it would cost, the phone rings. "Hello Lina, it's Matteo. I want to make you a proposal: a camping trip with Roberto. I'll come by tonight and we can talk."
Dear, kind friend Matteo. For so many years you've stayed faithful, through all the struggles and hardship, never giving in. In the darkest moments, you appeared like a guardian angel, always lending a hand—and you're so good at it. You work without drawing attention, and you don't know how much hope you've brought into my heart. It was you who made me believe there was still something real left for my son.
Thank you, Matteo.
I put down the phone. My thoughts return... A big house, with a little garden... Who knows! Maybe it will stay just a dream, but it will give me reason to keep living.
Lina Cusimano
I'm Your Friend
I've been reading Ombre e Luci for only two issues now, but I have to tell you: I love the magazine and I can't wait for each one to arrive. I'm 19 and in my second year at the School for Special Education teachers. I want to become a special education teacher for children in elementary school.
I spend my free time with a parish group called BIP, which works with disabled people. I really enjoy doing things with them—they're often a source of useful lessons for those of us who have so much.
I'm writing to ask you for some addresses in Milan of centers that might need help. I'd gladly volunteer as a volunteer coordinator, perhaps with Faith and Light.
Also, our BIP group runs a mountain cabin program in the summer for our disabled young people. If you could recommend any organized camps for summer 1990, we'd love to join!
Thank you in advance.
Anna Borgio
We passed your request to the Faith and Light coordinators in Milan; we hope they've been in touch. Thanks for the names you sent us. If you can, keep finding other interested people—maybe at your school. Keep up the good work!
Keep Going
Dear friends at Ombre e Luci: I'm Nunzia, from the "Immaculate Conception" group in Bari. The April-May-June issue just arrived yesterday. I was reading your invitation in the last issue to file complaints with the postal service, but I couldn't find in the index which week the magazine was supposed to have arrived, as you indicated. I'd appreciate some clarification. In the meantime, I'm sending you addresses of families, individuals, parishes, and disability centers that might be interested in the magazine.
I loved the issue I just received. Keep giving space to articles about films and educational books. The idea of covering community experiences like St. Preix is wonderful. I'd like to learn about others and maybe spend some time at one of them to deepen my own understanding and find my path. Please also keep running articles on understanding disability and how to relate to people—they're incredibly practical. In short, keep going the way you're going. I'm with you in my heart and in my prayers.
I'm also taking this chance to tell you I've graduated. Now I find myself asking: "Where do I begin?" The hope that God will guide my path, as He always has, letting me feel the touch of His love—that gives me peace and quiet, even as chaos and darkness surround me. I embrace you all with all my heart.
Nunzia Mastropasqua (Bari)