nonno

Alexander was just a few hours old when Sal came to meet him.

I barely knew Sal, as his son and I had a complicated relationship. Before Alexander was born, Sal and I had met only once.

From the very beginning, Sal was an involved, doting grandparent (as is true of Diane, his wife and Alexander's grandmother).

Sal and Diane welcomed Alexander into their beautiful homes. Before my son could even walk, he would eagerly go with his grandparents to Sagaponack, without a single thought of his mom.

Sal is from Capri, and I had hoped that my son would learn Italian. Despite a valiant effort, Alexander only learned bambino, bella, and a few other words. His favorite of course being nonno which means grandfather.

Sal and Diane have been to every one of Alexander's celebrated birthday parties. Have shared holidays with him.

Thanksgiving 1993

And included Alexander in their own birthday celebrations, here at Sal's 65th in 1994.

Despite a fractured relationship with his father, both Diane and Sal have always been a reliable and influential force in my son's life. 

They have been to all of Alexander's important events,  including every graduation, from nursery school on.

Horace Mann, 2011

Cornell, 2015

Sal is a strong male role model for Alexander. He has shown him how hard work, strong moral principles, and a loving demeanor can lead to a good life. 

Today Sal/Nonno turns 91. 

Happy Birthday to a vibrant, wonderful man. We love you.