Life’s Journey

Chapter 11

Wednesday, September 13th, 1899

by Josephine B. Pasquarello

Raffaele has dark olive skin, smooth and unblemished. Thick dark curls adorn his head. He is beautiful, this man I am to marry. I hope he thinks the same of me. We Italians do not believe in divorce so I will be his wife forever. I hope the happiness I see in his eyes will be present in our future together.

“We are very happy you made it safely here to America,” Mr. Pasquariello tells me. “And we are delighted to have you as part of our family.”

As the three of us begin to walk to Market Street, Raffaele gently takes my arm, and we begin our first journey together. I am suddenly self-conscious about my body odor. It has been two weeks since I have taken a bath and I am in dire need of clean clothes.

Raffaele says to me, “Geltrude, when we reach our house, I will show you to your bedroom and introduce you to my mother and brothers. The entire family is waiting to welcome you. I cannot wait to sit and talk with you. I have so many questions about your trip to America! It has been 11 years since I came here as a youngster, so I have forgotten much about it.”

We walk across Broad Street, and it is so big, this city. Carts, wagons, and horses are bustling noisily down the streets. There are so many people, I find myself looking from one side of the street to the other. Most are well-dressed men and women out enjoying themselves.

Mr. Pasquariello turns to us, making sure no one is running us over. As we walk up onto the stone walkway, I hear someone shout, “Mr. Pasquariello!” A man on his horse is waving at us, saying, “Come over here! I will take you back to 8th Street.”

Raffaelle and I climb in the back of the wagon while Mr. Pasquariello sits up front with the driver.

The driver asks me, “How was your journey? Were the seas rough? When I came over 10 years ago, it was brutal for me and my family. We were all seasick for days, Now, we are all happy to be here in America as Americans. I am sure you will be delighted with Philadelphia and the Pasquariellos. They are generous people.”

Before I can respond, I hear a lady calling out to Mr. Pasquariello asking to meet the young girl who just came in from Italia. The driver stops his horse and yells down to her, “Come see the beautiful young lady!”

She walks over and tells us she is so happy I got here safely.

“You will be happy with the Pasquariellos,” she says.

Mr. Pasquariello tells her, “We must get Geltrude home. She must be tired and hungry for some good food.”

I thank the lady for her kind words, and she leans into the wagon to kiss my cheek. “I will see you tomorrow at the celebration,” she says.

I wave to her and say goodbye, thinking, there will be a party for me tomorrow! PRH

Josephine B. Pasquarello www.josephinebpasquarello.org josephinebpasquarello@gmail.com