Friday, November 24, 2023
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In the spring of 1989, I told my ninety-four-year-old grandfather (Josto Miglior, oldest brother of Emma, mother of John) that I was going to Canada for a scholarship. He surprised me: “Canada? I have a sister who lives in Canada”. Wow, Canada, a huge nation, includes a Canadian branch of Emma Miglior and her children living in London, Ontario, just an hour away from University of Guelph, my destination ... What a coincidence, I couldn't believe it. My grandfather continued to surprise and amaze me even late in his life. We managed to find Uncle John's contact details, and I arranged a phone call between my father (Mario, Josto's eldest son) and John. A long phone call full of emotion, fun, laughs and some tears! My super kind Zio John immediately offered to pick me up at the Toronto airport (end of August '89) ... Imagine, we had never seen each other, we hadn't exchanged photos (no social media, no emails back then), but the first second we spotted at each other in the arrivals hall in the airport, we immediately recognized each other as family, deeply touching ... I remember it like yesterday. Uncle John and his family were fundamental throughout my academic and early career in Canada, my family away from family back in Milano … Zio John, always loving, sweet, very witty and with a huge heart. Our deepest condolences for Marie, David, Laura, on behalf of your extended family in Italia. We will miss you dearly, Zio John.
Filippo & Monica
