America has to a large extant been built on the backs of immigrants who came here with hopes, dreams, aspirations, challenges, and desires. These emotions remain a part of all of us, for they are a large part of the human spirit. Reading about their journey and adventures nourishes one's own imagination about who you are, what you want to be, and how you want to achieve your destiny. Little about your life is about luck, chance, or hope. Your life has its foundation in guidance from your parents, friends, and relatives. Solid planning, education, and hard work. No one travels the same path. Italian immigrants like others came to America believing it provided for them new opportunities for a better home and a better place to enjoy and experience their lives. They never looked back.

America is composed of people from all walks of lives, from all countries of the earth, and from all races, ethnic groups, and persuasions of every description. Americans believe in themselves as individuals. With hard work they also believe in what America will bestow upon them for their efforts. Are you a beautiful American? I bet you are. Just look around you. They are everywhere. Americans the beautiful.

Author Biography: As a practicing physician for several decades and as Section Chief of Family Medicine for the Cleveland Clinic, I had the opportunity to work in research in the areas of preventive medicine, fitness, nutrition, weigh problems, type 2 diabetes, and in many other important areas of health care. I have written books including: Weigh No Longer and The Art of Being a Patient. Other credits to my name includes: The American Breast Cancer Guide; The Latest in Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection. Several articles in Potty Training, Defeating Asthma Once and For All, Confronting Obesity epidemic, Food Fight, and others. My love of writing has spanned many decades and will continue.

Philip Caravella, MD, FAAFP, Lt. Col., US Army (Ret.)