It was the summer of ’69, like in the song, and I was five years old. My father had just walked out on us and my Italian grandparents convinced their heartbroken daughter to come home for the summer. So, with three young sons in tow, my mom travelled to Panni, Italy, and we spent a summer with my Nonna and Nonno. It turned out to be the only time I'd ever meet them; yet, to this day, I recall moments, images and smells that conjure up those warm summer days in that tiny hillside village 55 years ago.

My most powerful memories are of Nonna taking me, the baby, under her warm and ample wing while she made round loaves of bread and ornately shaped pasta, by hand. We spent countless hours together without a common language, yet there was never a barrier to our ability to communicate. That is the nature of love.

In 1993, my Nonna passed away at the too-young age of 73 from the complications of breast cancer, leaving me only faint memories of those days long past. My mom was able to be there with her when she died, and even today those memories break her heart.

This September, I’ll be taking Mom back to Italy to visit her sisters, her childhood village and the graves of her parents. She is 82 and I’m sure it will be poignant for her as memories are brought to life again. For those we’ve lost remain a part of us forever, and there are very few people who haven’t been touched by cancer in one way or another.  

Year after year, medicine and technology continue to improve and more people survive cancer through effective diagnosis, treatment and support. For them and others, their chances are greatly improved when we help fund these important advances in research and care.

Please contribute what you can to help us reach our fundraising goals. Every dollar makes a difference in the life of someone's mom, daughter, sister, friend or nonna. Your donations save lives and give critical support to those struggling to beat cancer right now.

From all of us on the Kirkby Wealth Advisory Group, thank you for your kind generosity!

Steve Steinebach

Post script:

On September 23, Mom and I embarked on a 10-day journey to Foggia, Italy, to visit with her sisters, nieces and extended family, whom she had not seen for 15 years. We had an amazing time with these beautiful, loving people who were so happy to see their family come from so far away. For me, it was an opportunity to meet first cousins I'd only ever known in photographs; and it was a wonderful meeting of hearts. 

We visited the small mountain village of Panni, where my mom was born and my Nonna rests in the local cemetery, along with many other relatives from years past. We all gathered at the peak of the village for a special lunch and celebration, which spilled over to many nights of big meals, great conversations and many, many hugs. 

We returned with full hearts, special memories and the hope to return again soon. Such is the power of family and love that spans both geography and time. 

Steve