Have I come to the “I Knew Them When” stage in my relationship with Il Volo? My love for them hasn’t changed one bit, but has the connection shifted to a new level?
It seems that they have gone from the personal “my boys” to “darlings of the world,” and the sharing of them is a little painful.
Still I am thankful for the “I Knew Them When” stage. It is grounded firmly in my heart.
I knew them when they were boys playing soccer in the street….
when they were just finding their own identities as individuals in the group. …
…before they were dressed by Armani. 
Remember the boyish charm of their sweet faces before the signs of maturity set in?
Don’t get me wrong….they have gotten more handsome and charming with time, but I’m glad that I was privileged to know them along the way from youthful exuberance to the sophisticated men they have become.
Thankfully, the path to fame hasn’t changed their caring attitude toward their fans. Self-importance hasn’t reared its ugly head.
In spite of it all, they are still “my boys.”
As Piero sang in Non Ti Scordar Di Me, “I’ll always have a nest here in my heart for you.”
So I’ll share them with the rest of the world. I know it’s what they want , but no matter how high they fly, I’ll always cherish the memory of “I Knew Them When.”
Il Volo ♥ Mary
