Summary
"Etched in Sand" is the harrowing and ultimately inspiring memoir of Regina Calcaterra and her siblings, Cherie, Camille, Norman, and Roseanne, growing up in poverty and neglect on Long Island, New York. From a childhood marked by a mother, Cookie, struggling with mental illness, alcoholism, and a string of abusive relationships, Regina and her siblings learned to depend on each other for survival, often fending for themselves in the face of extreme adversity.
The story begins in the late 1970s, painting a vivid picture of their transient life, moving from one unstable home to another, often facing hunger, homelessness, and physical abuse. As the eldest, Cherie assumes a parental role, followed by Camille, who becomes Regina's closest confidante. Together, the sisters create a makeshift family, forging a bond of loyalty and resilience that would sustain them through years of turmoil. The younger siblings, Norman and Roseanne, are innocent bystanders, relying on their older sisters for protection and guidance.
Regina's narrative unflinchingly recounts the challenges of navigating the foster care system, the constant fear of separation, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. Despite the odds, Regina excels in school, finding solace in books and driven by a fierce determination to break free from the cycle of poverty and abuse. The story details the emotional toll of Cookie's unpredictable behavior, the constant struggle for food and shelter, and the longing for a stable and loving home.
As Regina grows older, she confronts the painful truth about her parentage and embarks on a quest to find her biological father, Paul Accerbi, a journey that leads to further heartache and self-discovery. Despite the setbacks, Regina remains committed to her siblings, working tirelessly to protect them from harm and create a better future for them all. "Etched in Sand" is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the enduring strength of family in the face of overwhelming adversity, a story of triumph over tragedy, and a celebration of the human spirit.