Where I’m From

I am from my father, Albert Mantilia, and my mother, Louise Buonocore.
I am from my younger siblings: sister, Emily, and two brothers, Arnold and Albert, Jr.
I’m from my husband, Walter Damuck, and our children, Walter, Jr., and Linda.
I am from New Haven, Connecticut,
from West Haven Public Schools and New Haven High School.
I am from West Haven Catholic Church where we went once a week.
I’m from the typing and shorthand I did at my father’s automobile business,
Mantilia Motors, which sold Fords and used cars.
from the commercial course I took in high school to prepare me for that job.
I’m from the numerous allergies I had growing up that prevented me from having pets.
I am from baseball and other children’s games we played in the warm months,
and from checkers and inside games when it was colder.
I am from macaroni with gravy and good pies and cakes.
I am from Movana Natale “Christmas is Coming,” a song my Dad sang.
I am from a happy family.

Laura Damuck, age 92, North Chelmsford, MA