Jacqueline M. Ruffino
July has just arrived, and it is a very special month for me. To this day, my brothers Rosario and Antonio are still close to me in our lives. They are proud of me, their sister Jacqueline, and the only sister they have. Each one of my brothers always stayed close by me when my mom brought me home from the hospital as a little baby. Rosario, the older brother, asked my mom, “Can we keep her?” To this day, my brothers are very concerned towards me. And they both kept watching over me each and every day.
A sad situation occurred when my dad left us to join the Navy and did not return to my mom and my caring brothers. My mom worked very hard to care for us three. She was employed at a factory that made military insignias. My mom always made certain we went to school, did our homework, and stayed close to each other. There is so much to add to my growing up in the past; however, it would take a long time and there’s not enough paper to write on.
Rosario was born, and to this day, we are still very close. Rosario became a priest and was ordained in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. He spent many years around Italy teaching and sharing his interests with others. Yes, I’m proud of him to this day. Rosario is now an Episcopal priest. He is married to a wonderful woman named Barbara. Rosario is always aware of my doings, health, etc. He performed and married John and me in Arlington, Va. Rosario traveled to Italy, and my husband John and I visited, where he renewed our wedding vows again at his church in Palermo, Sicily. What an affair for all of us.
At this time, I would like to rave about my other brother Antonio. After school, he joined the United States Marines and received the Meritorious Service Award. He now has a wonderful family who are all grown up. My brothers were always there when I needed them and were very proud of me during my life. To this day, we receive phone calls, letters, and cards, never ever forgetting me. They all acknowledge my loving husband John who is always by my side. My background as a surgical nurse and my work with the Auditor General of the Navy made them proud of me and what I have done over the years and my service with the United States Navy and receiving many awards.
Happy July Birthday, Russell, and Happy Birthday, Anthony. I’m proud of you both.
Your sister, Jacqueline