Submitted by Laura Semenza-Marcos, West Hills, California Memories of my childhood surround the holidays and food. As an Italian Roman Catholic from a family of nine, and many relatives, I have stories to tell. The family of my youth consisted of two parents and seven kids—one boy and six girls—in a three-bedroom house, with one and 3/4 bathroom, in the suburbs of southern California. My dad was a ninth-grade-educated, smart, logical man who was well-loved and respected by many. My mom was a night-shift registered nurse (to whom I owe my future success in life as an advanced practice registered nurse). We nine lived successfully despite the plethora of hardships we endured. My memories are often associated with holidays, celebrations, and food: a huge roasted Thanksgiving turkey and many pumpkin pies, homemade ravioli at Christmas, and lasagna at Easter. These were joined by our numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in …