Words can’t even begin to tell you how difficult the past three weeks has been for my family and me. It has only been made easier by something equally indescribable. That is the overwhelming support that we’ve received from family, friends, coworkers and even folks who never even knew my father. Cards, flowers, gifts, phone calls, e-mails, dinner invitations, visits are the tangible items that we’ve received, but what we’ve really received is kindness, love and comfort.

We’ve mailed out over 100 thank you notes, but no greeting card can truly convey how thankful we are for the outpouring of support that has been bestowed upon us.

Just when I thought the Gatti family tree was up to date Debbie’s branch of the tree has sprouted yet another new leaf. OK, maybe I’m taking the tree metaphor a bit far! Please welcome Micah John Bowling to the family. He was born August 24th to Wendy and Michael Bowling.For those keeping score, that makes 6 members of Generation H of the Gatti tree, all of whom are grandchildren of Debbie and great-grandchildren of Sonny and Dot.

Welcome to the newest member of the Gatti family. Jayden John Van Houten was born to Elissa Van Houten on June 29th. Thanks to Debbie for keeping me up to date on her quickly growing branch of the tree!

After a very long delay, I finally have put Victor’s tale of his adventure aboard the Ukrainian schooner Bat’kivshchyna on the family tree site. It’s an fascinating story (with photos) told by Victor as only he could tell it.

Sorry this took so long. Victor sent me the pieces this story on 3 December 2005. It’s unbelievable that it took me almost a year to get it online. Sadly, right around the time he sent it to me, the Billy Gatti problem arose and the band of adventurous Ukranians took a backseat to several mean-spirited Italians! Then life just got too busy to get to it, but better late than never!

Check it out here.

I just added the latest addition to the Gatti section of the family tree site. Michael Toon married Amanda Abbott. Congrats!

I just finished posting the photos from the luau. Check them out now at www.michaelgatti.com/luau. Enjoy. If you’re in any of the photos and want an un-watermarked copy, let me know.

After 2 months of planning and shopping and 2 days of cooking, the big Anniversary Luau was a huge success. Everything went smoothly and everyone had a great time.
Besides planning and cooking etc., I was also of course the photographer. I woking on the photos and they’ll be on the web very soon.

Thanks to everyone who made this day so special. You all helped create a day that my parents won’t soon forget.

Keep watching www.michaelgatti.com/luau for up to the minute status, but as of right now the luau is on as planned. The weather forecast is very promising! Apparently luck is on our side!

I just added another new family member to the Gatti branch of my family tree. Bo & Tanna Wright had a baby girl, Annika Pacie Wright. Visit the family tree site for a link to her detail page and photos.

After several months offline, the family tree is back! It’s got a new name, a whole new look and more features than ever. It’s no longer restricted to one small part of the family, it includes all parts of the family now. Some sections are still under construction, but just keep watching because more and more will be added over time.

Some features of interest are that every detail page now has a place for external links where you can see family members’ own personal wesbites, a surname list to give you idea of what names are in my family tree data, a genealogy research resource page and more.