I met my Zia Maria and her family for the first time in 2006. I feel so blessed to have visited my Canadian family after decades of exchanging greetings cards and photos. I always felt a special connection with Zia Maria as I was named after her. Our visit woth Zia Maria was one I would never forget. She was warm, loving and funny. She cooked up a storm everyday. We got on so well, even breaking out in an Italian song together at an exclusive Country Club.
I then saw her again in 2009 in Wichita for Jen and Evans wedding. What a beautiful celebration and reunion. We stayed at Zia's house and she spoilt us again. It would be my last visit but she always held a special place in my heart. RIP my beautiful Zia Maria.
