Meet David & Jessica from Milan, Italy

Meet brother and sister duo, David and Jessica from Milan, Italy With its fashion history dating back to the 16th century, Milan is widely recognized as a major fashion capital in the world. Many prominent Italian fashion brands are headquartered in Milan, including Giorgio Armani, Versace and Prada. Its landscape is a striking blend of historical architecture, modern skyscrapers, and green spaces. Its unique geography and urban design create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, balancing the historic with the modern. David is 31 years old and Jessica is 29. David graciously translated for Jessica during their interview. They are on holiday with family while visiting family. Their father was born and raised in the United States. Their mother is Italian. They are beyond grateful for the memories they’re creating on this trip. About a year ago, Jessica woke up from a normal night of rest fighting for her life. She struggled to move and and speak. She was immediately rushed to emergency care where it was discovered she was having a stroke which was brought on by rare heart defect. David said, “At first, I was in shock, and my mind wouldn’t accept the reality of it. I just kept thinking that she had slept wrong, or that her diet was lacking the nutrients she needed. When reality finally set in, I began to worry about her. She is my only sibling. As her big brother, it is my job to help protect her. I felt helpless.” Jessica said. “ I, too, was in shock, and couldn’t believe that my body would not function the way that I needed it to, especially since I am so young. My recovery was long and hard. While I was in the hospital, there were times that I was afraid. It was truly the other patients that got me through. Watching them on their journeys, gave me strength, inspiration, and gratitude. Some of them were suffering more than I was. Almost a year later, I am still on the road to recovery. I have a hard time writing, and my vision is not what it used to be. The greatest lesson that I have learned from all of this is that the mind is a powerful thing; it can make or break you, especially in moments of darkness. Gratitude changes everything. I truly believe that is what saved my life.” David said, “Jessica is one of the strongest women I know. Anything that she’s faced with in life, when she puts her mind to it, she can overcome.” Jessica said, “My favorite thing about David is everything. He’s by my side through thick and thin, and he constantly keeps a smile on my face.” While watching the two interact anyone can see an unspoken love that could never be expressed through words. They have a brother/sister bond that will live on far beyond this lifetime. The one thing they want to tell the world is, “The only thing to fear is fear itself. Live fearlessly.” Thank you so much for visiting!

Side note: we don’t believe that anything in life is a coincidence. Unbeknownst to Betsy, David & Jessica, while they were doing their interview, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful for the first time as the 267th Pope. History and heart strings connected the United States & Italy in Vatican City and at Howe this afternoon!