’m so sorry,” says Alessandro to Grandfather, “I just wish—” “You wish you could replace the broken items?” interrupts Grandfather with a smile. “Well, I think Signor Angeli has plenty to refill his basket. But,” and he looks thoughtfully at Alessandro, “perhaps you would like to try to make a figure, for our little shop?” “But I don’t know how,” Alessandro protests. “I can’t make anything, especially anything so beautiful!” “Perhaps not yet,” laughs Grandfather. “But you have to start somewhere! And Alessandro, it’s love that makes what we create beautiful. It’s what makes Nonna’s food taste so good. Love brings all the pieces together. I think you have quite a bit of love in your heart, don’t you?” Alessandro nods, but he can’t speak. Nonna does, though. “Enrico, Bambinelli Sunday is next week. What if Alessandro makes his own Bambino, and the two of you take it up to Rome for the Holy Father’s blessing?” “Of course!” Grandfather claps his hands. Alessandro doesn’t know what Bambinelli Sunday is, but he listens as Grandfather explains and helps him begin to fashion his very own Christ Child. I“ 12
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