Vincenzo and Rosetta Iaconelli

[Crystal]

Vincenzo and Rosetta Iaconelli

[Crystal]

((Vincenzo Iaconelli))

There are some things I never expect to go through or have to handle. Anthony's motorcycle accident was one, Alfonso's capture and presumed death another. But I would never have imagined that I would get a phone call from Rafael Rossi, telling me he's been arrested for auto theft. Rafael is one of those people that you know is going to succeed. Even when he was a young boy, I knew he would do well. He never was in any trouble, probably learning from Tobias' experiences. But now he has joined a fraternity (the same fraternity Alfonso joined at Halifax) and it seems like they are not the best influence on him. It was them that told Rafael to steal the car of a rival fraternity president. Where do kids these days get these ideas from? How do they assume it is okay to break the law for their fun and games? I won't lie--it broke my heart to go pick him up from the police department. Not just because he's dating Gabriella, but because I think of him as a son and I know he is much better than this. Doing things like this will only turn out worse for him. I know he has new friends, but he can't forget the future he has planned for himself, a future that won't be there if he's off committing crimes and allowing new friends to walk over him. I was a little disappointed, but peer pressure still causes difficulties in college.

I only hope that he has learned from this. I believe he has. I know I should tell Alfonso though, but I'm waiting for Rafael to approach him first. This is something he needs to hear from his son, face to face. Perhaps Alfonso can talk to him about the fraternity, what it means, and how to avoid situations like this. He can do it much better than I would be able to. I don't want to see Rafael follow in Tobias' footsteps. I know Tobias is working things out for himself, or so I hear, but he went through a really rough patch and I don't want Rafael to do the same. He's got a bright future ahead of himself that doesn't involve prison and police officers and courtrooms.

[Crystal]

((Rosetta Iaconelli))

((Gabi's birth!))

Things are not going the way they are supposed to. I'm always worried when Vincenzo gets called for active duty--that's just how I am. He's my husband and I love him dearly. But I never expect to hear the words that Alfonso said to me yesterday--Vincenzo was taken with two others by the enemy. He is being held captive. It is hard just to write it. I want him home. I want to see him. I want him to wrap his arms around me and tell me that everything will be okay.

I went into labor as well. The doctor said the stress and the fact that I was upset caused it. I had already been to the hospital because I wasn't feeling well. Afterward he said that it was likely she would have been born early anyway. Not 2 month, of course, but...well, she's so small. I named her Gabriella. I think it is fitting for her. Vincenzo and I had already chosen that name because of my father. But due to the circumstances, I think it is even more appropriate. She is 2 months premature, of course, so they are monitoring her constantly. I have only been able to hold her once. The doctor said that she is breathing on her own and that was a good sign. He said the breathing was usually the biggest cause of concern with early deliveries. They want to keep her until she gains more weight and is fully developed. My father said she had ten fingers and ten toes, so everything is fine. Vincenzo's parents came to the hospital this morning. His mother is worried, but his father said the marines would find him and that God is on his side, looking out for him and for our family. Vincenzo would say that same, I know. I need to be strong for my children. I am going to talk to our priest early this afternoon and I hope it allows me to sort my emotions out.