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My Husband Vincenzo
My dream as a boy was to have a car. I questioned if
painting as a career would provide enough money. My uncle
was a painter; he took me under his wing and taught me how
to paint. Eventually at 18 years old I bought my first car
without my parent’s approval, with my own money. The car
was a Fiat 500 for 30,000 lire (about $65Cdn). I couldn’t
afford a new paint job so I painted it myself with a black
stripe. I was the first one in the Sessa family to own a
car. Not even my parents owned a car. I grew up in Italy
very poor but with an over abundance of love.
When I was 20 I had to go to the army for 1 ½ years. I left
my car with my best friend. When I got back my parents told
me they were sending me to Canada. A family friend gave me
$20 Cdn and off I went.
After arriving in Calgary, I found a job in 3 days; painting
for an Italian company. I have never been without work.
Six months later I bought my second car, a 72 Firenza. Not
much later, shortly after praying for a woman who would wake
me up in the mornings! I met a young woman who became my
wife only a year and a half later.
My dream then was to have our own home, which we bought in
1976. We then had our first daughter. We sold our first
duplex, bought a little house, then a bigger show home model
that I had set a goal on purchasing, and then our second
daughter was born. A few years later we had a son, wow; 3
wonderful children.
After working for 5 years as an employee I thought I’d like
to have my own painting business which I started in 1979. I
gave up my bi-weekly secure paycheck to do this. It was
very difficult start, but I never looked back. I dreamed of
someday being able to do a fancy show home; which came true
in 1985.
All of these dreams happened because God owns my life, my
business & I have a very supportive wife; without either I
could do nothing. I have a very passionate heart for soccer
as well; I’m in my 50’s and I still play. I also had the
thrill of coaching my son for 11 years.
I have painted many, many show homes, had lots of employees,
and built bigger & better homes to live in. Now we have
sold our big house because the kids are gone and we are back
in a duplex. Amazing how things change. I have worked so
very, very hard now I’m looking for ways that money can work
for me so I can travel as much as possible, keeping in touch
with family in Italy and helping my kids get started in
their dreams.
I think what worked for me is this: work hard with your
heart in everything you do, trust in God, set your goals,
reach them & keep setting new ones. You will not always win
but you never never never give up.
Our Children 2004
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Daughter Josephine &
Son-In-Law Graham |
Daughters
Josephine & Melinda |
Son
Peter |
Our Grandchildren May 2008
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This "Fiat 500" is in
much better shape than the 1st one I bought. Mine was
so old the floor fell out!!
"A boy & a girl with a
dream."
1976
"A boy & a girl with a
dream."
2001
"A boy & a girl with a
dream."
"Freedom 55"
2008
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