MARIA CACCIATORE

The Birth of Betty Hunter 

 

Since before I can remember I was referred to as Betty Hunter. Being the youngest of a big Italian family, I was the target for extra attention and teasing. Betty Hunter, a name given to me by Uncle Tony, as my American name. Hunter is the English translation of Cacciatore and Betty came from the telenovela “Betty la Fea.” I soon became fond of the name because it is a part of the special bond I have with Uncle Tony and soon became a part of my identity. 

 

February 14, 2007, a day better known as Valentine's Day. I was in the third grade, only 9 years old. I received a gift at the door. A poem of admiration and subtle hints about my life signed, “Your Secret Admirer.” Without fail every Valentine's Day I would receive and poem and a gift waiting for me outside my door. The years went on and not a clue in sight. Was it a boy in my class? Who could this be? A question I would ask every Valentine's Day for 12 years. A silly tradition I thought would end as I went off to college, continued. 

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At 21 years old, one casual afternoon, I accidentally overheard my mother talking to my sister revealing that my secret admirer was none other than my beloved Uncle Tony. A man I consider a grandfather. Even at 87 years old, Uncle Tony was committed to making Valentine's Day one of the most special days of my youth. Poems coming from Uncle Tony was much better than anyone I could have guessed. That year, after receiving yet another Valentine's Day poem and a gift from my “Secret Admirer,” I called Uncle Tony to ask him if he was the one. Due to his age and long 12 years of commitment, I thought I would let him off the hook. When asking him “Are you my Secret Admirer?” He replied, “Betty Hunter, I am an admirer, but not a secret one.”