Smitten Twice
The Story of an Enduring Love Affair
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There are not many of us who given the devastating medical diagnosis Maria received in 2008 would have reacted with the courage she exhibited. That challenge motivated her to learn all she could about the disease. She wanted to do all she could to help herself cope. However she did not stop there. With her lifelong ability to reach out to join or form community, she applied even as patient. Parkinson's became the thi sayrd party in this relationship. As a couple, they dedicated their life to her care and participation in a variety of PD activities including raising for the Michael J Fox Foundation. Her outlook on life was always forward looking. Even as a PD patient she forged forward and achieved much. No one ever heard a complaint from her or hear her ask "why me". Her strength and power were attributes she always had and maintained during those years of decline. She would always set a goal whether for herself or for the couple and would subtly pursue its conclusion. The illness did not steal that attribute from her. Much of her forging forward and refusing to permit the disease to stop her. She would not give in. I know now much of her bravado stemmed from her desire to protect me and our couplehood. It is what we did for each other for six decades.
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About the Book
Michael Fazio was smitten by Maria Laezza first when she was thirteen and he fifteen. She wasn’t even aware of his existence. He was smitten again in 1963 when he inadvertently transferred to the college she was already attending. In Smitten Twice, Fazio shares the story of a love and romance that endured for six decades. In this memoir, he reflects on the couple’s many joyous and wonderful memories, celebrating a relationship that brought happiness to both as they experienced the highs and lows of their family’s life together. From Fazio’s youth, his parents and extended family, to his schooling, and more, Smitten Twice explores the snippets of one man’s existence, capturing the recollections as a gift to his children and grandchildren.
About the Author
Michael Fazio graduated from St. John’s University and earned a master’s degree from Stony Brook University. He taught in the Long Island Public Schools for more than thirty years. Fazio and his wife, Maria, now deceased, raised their two daughters in the Village of Nissequogue in the town of Smithtown, where he still lives and is active in village affairs.