Although Gianna and Pietro adored each other
and their rapidly growing family, they began to experience the stress
of their increasing duties and responsibilities. Gianna cared for
the children and continued with her medical practice. She successfully
juggled all of her responsibilities; mother, wife, homemaker, doctor,
etc. Her great inner strength translated into an enthusiasm that
shone through in all of her tasks that she performed. Others were
continually amazed that she found time for everything and everyone
involved in her life, she was never idle. In the home she handled
everything magnificently, she was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain
peers, friends and family on the weekends.
Pietro, who felt an enormous burden with the concerns and responsibilities
of his own work and family, needed a retreat from daily pressures.
He would spend time alone in the mountains. Although Gianna understood
and accepted his needs, she was sad to see him leave. She decided
that she would not bother him with any family matters while he
was away. While Pietro was away, Gianna continued caring for her
children but there were things that were of concern to her: Pierluigi
was not doing well at the time and Marolina was restless at night.
Gianna began to feel tired. On February 26, Gianna wrote to Pietro
saying that she was eager for his return. She missed his warm embrace
and the strength and support of his presence. Gianna believed that
Pietro not only loved her tenderly but also understood her and
completed her as a human being. Her love for Pietro continued to
grow stronger and she felt her love for Pietro was connected to
her love for God.
In spite of their busy schedule, Gianna and Pietro want to Milan regularly to
spend time together at concerts or plays. When it was possible to get away from
her practice, Gianna would accompany Pietro on business trips. When she was unable
to accompany him, the couple would keep in constant contact through letters.
Gianna
paid particular attention to the children’s spiritual
training. Although they were very young, she would say prayers
with them in the evening and talk to them about the love of
Jesus. Each evening the children would reflect on their actions of the
day and talk about how Jesus may not have been happy about
some of the events.