b'I would like to dedicate this book to my mother, Massimiliana Boccato. At a time when most Italian mothers were glad to have their sons living with them at home well into their late 20s and early 30s, my mother gave me permission to come to America when I was only17 years old. It was easy for me; it was tremendously painful for her. Her sacrifice gave me the opportunity to become the man I am today. My brother Mario took this photo of us when she came to visit us in America. She is still this beautiful today she still cooks better than me and she always will!'