I was supposed to be a boy in my family. I came from a mother who was Polish, and her family had 18 children in it. That’s not a misprint. My father was second generation Italian. He really wanted a boy. First child was a girl. Having high hopes for their second child, unfortunately I turned out to be female and was dubbed with a middle name of Victoria. My fathers name was Victor. Do we get the picture? Last child was another girl, but since he was so disappointed with two girls already, it was no big deal. I was supposed to be a boy. I was my father’s son.

I was supposed to have children, and I couldn’t. Which is probably why I have so many animals. All the kids I couldn’t have. So what this meant for this strong Italian father was that it was the end of the Naccarto name. Forever. So, since I was supposed to be a boy, I decided, on my own, that I would retain the family name and carry it on forever. Except I couldn’t have children. It was the end of the Naccarto name.

I was supposed to be on vacation. We left last Tuesday, for two weeks in Belize. Warm sun. R&R before we head back and start our annual trek to open the ranch this summer. Except the minute I walked into the condo, I received a call from my sister to tell me my Dad just passed away. I left the following day to attend to family business and my father’s funeral.

Why do I write all this? Probably just a very reflective mood about my life. Just wanted to let you all know that I didn’t forget all of you and there was a good reason why I wasn’t writing on the blog. This experience reminds me of the ranch. There are trails that you take that lead you to one final destination, and others that can take you all around the country. You never know where the trail is going to take you, and you rely on your guide to lead you through it. Isn’t that a lot like life? Have you ever thought about that? It is also said that if you fall off the horse you have to immediately get back on, and keep on going. Just to let you know that I’m back in the saddle and ready to ride again. Thanks for listening,
debi