From the early 1900's both the Pennito and Ciarpella families have crisscrossed the Atlantic Ocean searching for a better life for themselves and their children. During their lives they witnessed the great depression, survived the ravages of the Spanish Influenza, escaped from Nazi imprisonment, assisted the Allied occupation of their Italian town and struggled to survive post war Italy. They came to the United States as immigrants trying to adjust to a radically different culture, the severe New England climate and tasteless tomatoes. Some would decide that the Promised Land was not easily endured and those few would return to their roots in the small hill top town of Sessa Aurunca. Thankfully, my parents remained to realize a better life not only for themselves but also for their children.