Nancy N Messina

My name is Nancy N. Messina. When I was born, my loving parents named me Nunzia Nicolina Vittorino. I came into the world in the middle of a winter’s night on December 6, 1949, the day we celebrate Saint Nicholas Day in Italy.

As the first baby girl born to my parents after they had welcomed four sons, I was, as they lovingly described me, their little “miracle baby girl.” My father was especially grateful that I arrived naturally just before the midwife came to assist my mother with the final stages of my birth. He often told me, “I heard you before I saw you!”

Throughout my life, we would laugh and joke that perhaps this was the reason I loved to talk so much, and why I developed such a deep love for creating poetry and stories filled with imagination, gratitude, and joy.

In 1970, I married my first and late beloved husband, Marco Messina, and became Mrs. Nancy Messina. Sadly, Marco passed away on February 25, 1999. Although his passing left a profound loss in my life, I was blessed with our three wonderful children, Anthony, Frank, and Nina, who have always been the world to me.

In 2000, I began a new chapter of my life with my current partner, Richard Neville. As I often say, “the sun began to shine again for the two of us.” I am deeply grateful that Richard has been by my side through many precious family milestones, including my children’s weddings and the births of our four grandchildren.

Now, in our seventies and both retired, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the many experiences, relationships, joys, and challenges that have shaped my journey.

It is with that gratitude that I dedicate Simply Poetry to my family, my friends, and to everyone around the world who may see a reflection of their own life experiences, emotions, memories, and dreams within these poems.

I hope these words bring you a little joy, inspire your imagination, and remind you that every life holds stories worth sharing.