What drives a family to leave everything they’ve ever known, to walk for days through rugged terrain with no promise of comfort or safety? For my ancestors, it was the hope of a better life in America—a hope that began with a dusty, arduous trek across Sicily.

During my research, I discovered that my family moved from the small village of Pedara to Regalbuto. They lived there for several years but the promise of a better future eventually called them to America. Documents revealed they traveled with a group from Regalbuto to Palermo, likely relying on my grandfather’s cart to carry their belongings.

With our modern roads (even with all the potholes), it’s hard to imagine what this journey must have been like. The Sicilian sun beat down on them during the day, turning the rocky paths into a haze of dust. At night, they huddled together under thin blankets. During rainfalls, they trudged through thick mud, their clothes soaked and their spirits tested. If their trip required several days, they didn’t stop at a hotel to sleep in a nice, warm, comfortable bed. Instead, they set up camp along the side of the road, cooking meager meals over an open fire and resting under the stars.

Right from the start, even before getting on the ship, their journey to America was difficult. Yet they had the faith that they were traveling to a better life—a faith that carried them through the hardships and uncertainties.

But this was only the beginning. The real challenges—and the true triumphs—awaited them on the other side of the Atlantic. In my upcoming book, I’ll uncover the untold stories of their arrival in America, the struggles they faced, and the legacy they left behind. Join me on this journey to discover how their faith, resilience, and determination shaped not just their lives, but the rest of our family’s as well.