Could you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna and Sam Marabella, revealed his adoption to him. We also dive into the historical context of the “baby scoop” era, during which thousands of Italian babies found new homes in America, adding a layer of emotional and historical depth to Santo’s journey.
Santo’s tale takes a dramatic turn with an unexpected reunion in Italy, a trip initially planned for a friend’s wedding that evolved into a life-changing quest to find his biological family. Listen as Santo recounts the emotional highs and lows of meeting his parents and siblings for the first time, saying bittersweet farewells, and the enduring promise of staying in touch. This chapter of Santo’s life is filled with heartwarming moments, language barriers, and the ongoing hope of reuniting with his younger sister after decades of separation.
The journey doesn’t stop there. Santo opens up about the profound grief and healing process following the loss of his adoptive parents and a beloved pet. Volunteering at an animal shelter and reconnecting with his Italian family became pivotal in his healing journey. Explore themes of belonging, identity, and the importance of understanding one’s ancestry, as Santo uncovers fascinating connections to both American and Italian heritage. This episode celebrates the joy of discovering personal stories and the powerful bonds formed through family ties and adoption.
Italian Roots and Genealogy is proud to share that Santo D. Marabella, adoptee born in Italy in 1961, is producing a first-person documentary about his adoption, called Il Mio Posto a Tavola (My Place at the Table). His journey will build into a broader story about the universal need to belong and what can get in the way for each person, adoptees and non-adoptees alike, of finding your “place at the table.”
Santo’s team, lead by Tracy Schott,filmmaker and social worker, are pleased to announce that they will be filming in Italy this September with members of Santo’s Italian family and his American “family” who are accompanying him on the trip!
You can view the work-in-progress of the film here: https://vimeo.com/984296330/5027660402?share=copy
For more information on the project and how you can support it, click: IlMioPostoFilm.com
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For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.
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