An Italian Quote for an Italian Family

As you may have guessed, I have a quote to dedicate to my Italian family.

First, a bit of a back story. We haven't been to our family reunion for the last couple years. Between work and how hard it was to transport Lily there for a bit, we haven't made the 120-mile trek to eat Ziti and meatballs in the park.
Not that we don't love it. The food is amazing, the people are better and we always have a lot of fun! Besides, how else would my husband have learned the meaning of "mangario" (to eat) and how it is more of a command than a request?

This year, we were able to finagle work schedules at the last minute and attend. It was great to see new and old faces again, to see the changing family and the kids that are growing up faster than you realize until you see it in person.

How does this relate to our adoption journey? Aside from the fact that Melissa will be able to join us at next year's reunion and learn "mangario" herself, we received a wonderful reminder of just how strong and supportive a family can be, whether you see them once a year, or sometimes even less.

With nothing more than our story, a picture and a couple jars of barbecue sauce, we received donations totaling $286!! Many of our relatives were eager to hear about our little girl a half a world away and everyone is excited to meet her next year!! Just thinking about that brings tears to my eyes!

So, to get to the quote. An Italian quote for an Italian family--
"La nostra famiglia è un cerchio di forza e amore, quando la famiglia cresce il cerchio si allarga, quando la famiglia è in difficoltà, il cerchio si rafforza."
Our family is a circle of strength and love with every birth and every union the circle grows - every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger.

And just to sneak in one more--from the Italian Saint Ambrose, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”

Thank you to our extended family for opening their arms and hearts to yet another extension that has yet to join us!

Lily on her way to Helper, Utah: