Two Worlds

I hope to bloom as beautifully as this flower. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

Many of my friends and family already know that I recently had a miscarriage after months and months of trying to get pregnant. I’ve been heart broken, and many of you have been a source of compassion, hope, and love. Thank you! My husband and I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and time. Now, I’ve finally come to grips with the reality of our situation enough to write about it. Today, I shared my personal story and a separate guide to help others deal with the effects a miscarriage has on your marriage in the Newlyweds blog I maintain for About.com. Maybe I’ll help other people who are facing miscarriage or similar challenges. Even if my words don’t resonate with others, I feel much better now that I’ve put everything into these stories. Writing, after all, is therapy for me.

(l. to r.) Francesca, Alex, Rosaria, and Mamma Regina are soaked from a wet and wild ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom. © Photo courtesy of Di Meglio family

My mom Regina, my friend Alex, and I spent last weekend at my sister’s place in Florida livin’ it up. (To view photos from the weekend, click on the “Girls Weekend 2010” photo album.) We did the girlie girl thing with pedicures, soaked up sun in the baby pool (yes, a baby pool), went on rides at Disney World, did some shopping, and ate anything we wanted. The weekend, which was a much-needed distraction and lots of fun did include two men – my brother John and my sister’s dog Shilo, both of whom provided ample entertainment (from brother John giving his three-month-old daughter a bath to Shilo jumping onto the table to eat a zucchini pancake). There was girl’s night out with all of us, my sister-in-law Jaci, and baby Maria for dinner at Kouzzina. And there was many a World Cup disappointment. Let’s not even talk about that. Besides, delicious clams and pretzel bread made everything all better. Love and miss you all now!

The nest outside Francesca's window symbolizes the preparations necessary for creating a family. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

This is the photo on the About.com Newlyweds site today. But it’s also the view I have from my office window. That nest and those birds have inspired me to better prepare for growing a family. I’m hoping it has the same influence on my readers. Check out what I told them about saving money and getting their own nest in tip top shape in today’s blog.

(From l. to r.) Angela, Giuseppe, Fausto, and Antonio celebrate Italy's 2006 World Cup victory. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

Aside from meeting my husband Antonio (see photo above), taking a few glorious vacations with him, and marrying him, the last 10 years in my life have not been what you’d call a dream. But two other events did make my life more meaningful — or at least more joyous. The first was joining the Juventus squad on the field (as a photographer/reporter) as it faced off against A.C. Milan for the Super Cup at Giants Stadium in 2003. Juventus, which is my favorite Italian club team, won. But it wouldn’t have mattered if it lost. I was deliriously happy to be sharing the same air as such soccer gods as Gianluigi Buffon and Paolo Maldini.

The other sweetest moment was when Italy defeated France in the 2006 World Cup. (For more celebration photos from Italy’s victory, click on “Italy’s 2006 World Cup Victory” photo album.) It was a dream come true for me to witness my favorite national team finally win (in penalties and against France no less). What made it all the more beautiful was sharing the moment with my husband (then boyfriend) Antonio. We, along with family and friends, took to the streets in my family’s native Ischia. We were full of love and happiness. I wish I could bottle up that moment forever. Indeed, my husband agrees. He already wrote me to say that this year’s games are just not the same because he is watching them in Italy while I am watching them in the United States. Still, today, Italy plays Paraguay in its first game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I can guarantee we’ll both be cheering so loudly for the Italians that we’ll hear each other’s tribal cries from across the ocean that divides us.

Cousins (top l. to r.) Amanda, Tommasina, Antonio, Amy, and (bottom l. to r.) Marissa, Ali, and Nina celebrate 10. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

Early June is an exciting time for the Di Meglio family. We have two special birthdays to celebrate — those of Ali, who just turned 10, and Marissa, who just turned six. I still remember back when I was 10 and six. Those were good times and milestone birthdays. Ten meant double digits and the sense that you would soon be a teenager. In fact, the 10 year olds in our family have all matured. They have real conversations with you now. And they dress better than I do. They are mature and fun and growing up. Ali, for instance, can call me from her own cell phone now. I’m in her address book. Seriously, she’s a sweet, caring, mini adult. (To join the party, visit “Ali’s 10th Birthday Party” photo album.) We’re so proud of you, Ali!

Six is a big deal because when you’re five, you can still pass for the family baby. Kindergarten is a precursor to real school — the kind that is stressful and competitive and not at all about snack time, naps, and playing. And kindergarten is pretty much over for Marissa. Just a couple weeks left. Even though Marissa is still a snuggler who I can carry around on my hip, she’s truly a big girl now. At 6, Marissa is a little lady with the kindest of hearts. Ali and Marissa, we love you. Happy, happy birthday!