This past Friday was my birthday, and it was the first one I've experienced with one of my grandparents deceased. I am sure that most people wish they could say that at 38 years old, but regardless, it doesn't necessarily make the loss any easier. We lost my grandfather Serafino "Sal" Piraneo last month, just a month or so after his 90th birthday celebration. He succumbed to a short battle with cancer.
His parents were born in a wonderful little town called Sortino in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily, which he never got to visit, since they immigrated to the United States before he was born. I was fortunate enough to visit Sortino last month, and I know Grandpa would have loved it there. I did and can't wait to go back.
