Pieretti explains that she believes this closeness comes from a high need felt by Cagli parents to protect their children, even as they grow older. "In Cagli, families remain very close. Many children live with their families until they are 30 years old," she says, "In Italy, and in Cagli, parents are much more protective of their families then anywhere else."
This protective parent-child relationship is exemplified in the physical contact between mother and daughter, and mother and son. In the middle of a conversation Pieretti bends down to adjust her 6-month-old son in his stroller into an upright position that gives his small frame more support. She seems to accomplish this task with little or no thought, almost a subconscious urge, she feels, much like the protective urge she described earlier.
 As Pieretti's daughter graciously thanks complimentary critics of her artwork, it is clear the values Pieretti describes as being of highest value to her family, and to most of Cagli parents, have been well established at an early age.
Pieretti lists honesty, respect, education and good manners as being the characteristics she most hopes to pass on to her children. "These are characteristics that are valued around the world, but it is easier to teach them in Cagli because it is such a safe town," she explains. "Cagli is a safe, quiet town where children can run in the streets at night without being in any danger. This would not be possible in a city such as Rome."
As a young mother, Pieretti is still in the early of parenthood and,viewing her daughters nursery school art show, college seems like nothing more than a dot on the horizon but Pieretti expresses little worry about her children's further education. "Parents do not push their children into college in Cagli," she explains. "Not many children in Cagli go off to college because families are so protective and do not wish to see their children leave home at such a young age."
Pieretti, like any good mother, seems to divide her attention equally between her son and her daughter, paying close attention to her proud daughter's art while still managing to keep a close eye on her tiny son. She plans to continue this equality in all aspects of raising her children. "In other places it may be important to be more protective of a daughter than a son, but in Cagli it is equally safe for a girl to stay out late as it is for a boy, so there is no difference in how boys and girls are treated and raised."
While other regions in Italy experienced a population decrease because many Italian families have not been having children, Cagli has not had to deal with this problem. Pieretti expresses surprise at the young age at whi ch women have been becoming pregnant. "I had my first child when I was almost 30," she says, throwing a quick glance at her daughter, "but more recently families have been having children when they are 20 or 22."
Pieretti is hard-pressed to find any disadvantages to raising her family in Cagli. In fact, she states flat-out, "I do not think that there are any disadvantages." But she expresses concerns that because Cagli is so small it is hard to get a good job, and receive a good education. "I think it would be good for my children to go somewhere else to find a job, but I hope that they will always come back to visit, although I would never force them to stay with me in Cagli," she says.
Pieretti bends down to pose for a picture with her son, it must be hard for her to even imagine him being grown up and moving out while he is still so young and dependant on her, but inevitably that day will come, and most likely more sooner then later for the young mother. One can only hope that when this day does come, Cagli will have remained a safe and welcoming sanctuary for Pieretti's family to return to.
Photos by Amanda Kulakowski
Video by Mark Flynn
Web Design by Eleni Polites
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