Palmiro Damasco

Palmino

Was born in Marsico, April 16 1916. His parents had  trouble getting him baptized  with this name. The priests was under the impression, only the names of known Saints could be used. The priest later  agreed to baptize him Palmino,  named after Palm Sunday.

I will refer to Palmino as dad; I consider myself fortunate to have him as father.

Dad was married to mom one month, than had to leave for war, WW 2. There was no choice than, to serve your country. One could risk his life in battle as a soldjer; Or die by firing squad like a deserter. 

Dad didn't find out until his child was born that his wife had gotten pregnant that first month. He was stationed 12 hours walk from home and had not met his first born yet, who was almost one by now.

His superior took pity and told him" We will not report you were missing for one day, should any of our other troops catch you however, they will shoot you as a deserter"  Dad left quietly, walking fast, to meet Michael his first child.  A few precious moments, then rush back to meet up with his troops, before his absence would be made public. 

Some time later he was transferred temporarily to the infantry division. In a few weeks he and his troop, were to get on a ship, for a long journey. During the temporary transfer in the Infantry, he got kicked by one of the horses and was placed in a coma. His friends had to leave on the ship without him.

When he came out of the coma healthy, he found out sadly none of his friends survived the trip. The ship sank.

I think of this Coma incident, when something bad happens to me. I know God allows some bad to happen to prevent something worse. 3 of my brothers and I, would probably not be here, if dad did not get placed in the coma.