La Maglietta di Salute

In the course of a conversation with our neighbors, the Italian mother told her young son that because she is American, Maddy does not wear a maglietta di salute. Quite literally, "little undershirt for health." I'm quite sure that she based this on her contact with other American children.

But. . . AHA! Au contraire mon frere!

I called Maddy over and had her pull up her shirt, and voila, there was her maglietta to keep her warm and dry. Good Momma.

I learned early on that this is an essential piece of the wardrobe, nearly as essential as the underpants (or panties, as we say) for most Italians. In fact, my forty-year-old girlfriend still wears an undershirt.

Maddy, my friends, wears her undershirt . . . .everyday. How could I show my face at the asilo if she did not? I honestly believe that they just would not allow her to be without it.

{Okay, so maybe she doesn't wear one during her summer trips to the States. Shhh! Don't tell.}