A THANKFUL FAMILY

Thanksgiving also served as a homecoming for the Gilea family.

By ELISE FRANCO

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

BOARDMAN­ — On the 18th anniversary of the family’s arrival in the United States, the Gileas are whole again.

As they gathered for a Thanksgiving Day meal, there was much to be thankful for.

Up until one week ago, it wasn’t certain where Virgil Ciprian “Chip” Gilea, 30, would be spending his Thanksgiving holiday.

Chip, a Romanian immigrant, was released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement last Friday, just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving — which happens to be the anniversary of his parents’ arrival in the country.

Chip spent 11 months behind bars — in Mahoning County, Seneca County and then Maple Heights — because the family’s former attorney missed a paperwork filing deadline.

An immigration judge ordered Chip’s deportation in 2003, but neither he nor his family knew of the order.

On Thursday, Chip said he’s not dwelling on what has happened over the past year, because he is home now.

“We have to move on, and put the past behind and look forward,” said Chip, who came to the country four years after his parents, at 15. “What I’m focusing on now is the future.”

Although he said he’s eager to get back to his normal life, he’s taking it one day at a time.

“I’ve just really been sitting and relaxing,” Chip said. “Today I went with my dad to get some wine and champagne to go with dinner.”

Chip’s sister, Bianca, three years younger, said Thanksgiving dinner was the first real meal their mother had cooked since Chip was taken into custody.

“We didn’t expect this,” she said. “To be a complete family together. ... It’s the best gift ever.”

Chip’s parents, Minerva and Virgil, said the massive holiday spread of turkey, ham, Romanian chicken salad, mashed potatoes, cold cuts and three varieties of pies, was done because of the holiday and their son’s homecoming, but Bianca disagreed.

“It’s always this much food,” she said laughing. “So much food.”

Chip said he was just happy to eat his mother’s cooking.

“It’s good to eat, you know, turkey ... some good holiday food,” he said.

Their dinner was an intimate affair of only eight, but they said it was the perfect way to spend their time.

All around the table, they laughed and joked as if the last 11 months were nothing more than a bad dream.

Chip said he feels there’s no point in placing blame for what happened.

“I’m just glad to be around my family. I missed them,” he said. “I’ve realized how much they mean to me, how important they are. I’m thankful to God to be able to come back and spend this time here.”

Since he’s been home, Chip said he’s been visiting friends and family, making sure to thank everyone who showed support.

“I’m planning on going to Washington [D.C.] to meet with the Romanian Embassy, probably in the middle of December,” he said. “I want to meet them and thank them personally.”

Chip’s family agreed that the number of people who showed help and support far outweighed those who did not.

“Youngstown is a strong area,” Bianca said. “When people need help they all respond. I’m glad we live in this community.”

Minerva said prayer and good faith from others, including total strangers, is what helped bring the family through such a trying time.

“God helped us. Chip got it to go his way, and God helped,” she said. “We’re very happy to thank the whole community for letters, cards and prayers.”

Minerva’s gratitude and love for her son showed on her face and in every word she spoke.

“Look at this beautiful man that they wanted to send away from us,” she said. “I’m so happy. I’m more than happy. This is the best gift I’ve ever received.”

efranco@vindy.com