God sometimes gives us unexpected gifts. Our gift has been a grandson who enlivens our lives and makes retirement very different than the one we anticipated. He is a special joy. And that's "Casey." In 2006 we fulfilled our dream of living in Italy for a year. It was every bit as wonderful as anticipated. This blog begins in 2005 as we prepared for that experience. Since then we have explored many places together. That's the "Travel." And finally, I am a person of opinions--spiritually, politically, on just about anything and that's the "Other Stuff." Welcome to my blog.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Saying Goodbye

This is a difficult week for us. The apartment looks forlorn and not ours anymore. Our “stuff” is either packed away in duffels awaiting their trip to the airport, strewn around the floor seeking a place in an unfilled duffel (hard to find), in boxes being left here for next year, in piles to give to friends or in bags to take to the Catholic charities.

But—the hardest part of the week is saying goodbye--to people, most of all, but also to places, drives, things we haven’t done and wanted to, the piazza, our favorite restaurants and a pace of life that suits us well.

Tears are being shed or held inside wet eyes. Hugs and kisses and inadequate words spill out with friends and shop keepers, with waiters and cooks, with grocery checkers and the gelato ladies. And we say parting words with the dear people with whom we have lived every day—Alessandro and his family, Sara who really runs everything, and all the men who work here, making this a lively, exciting place--making it our home.

And then—there is our tree. The one we have watched through the seasons when it was rich with leaves and when it was barren except for that one brown leave which stayed to welcome the new buds. Now the tree is just as it was when we arrived a year ago—green and full and the perfect landing place for new baby swallows leaving their nests in the eaves--testing their wings. Soon those nests will be empty--just like our apartment.



11 comments:

Peg said...

I have SO enjoyed your blog. Sad to see that you are already saying your goodbye's. Safe journeys.

Jane said...

Peg, it is always fun to hear from someone I didn't know was reading the blog. Often I wonder where people come from. Thanks for enjoying it. I just took a peek at your blog and really like the way you do your photos. Lovely!

I still have things to say about Italy and so there will probably be some postscripts to the blog.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your move back to San Diego. I know how hard this must be for you to leave such a wonderful place. I've really enjoyed hearing about your adventures and look forward to meeting you in San Diego at some point in the fall and talking about Italy! I'll also miss KZs blog!

Jane said...

Janie
Thanks for your words. Yes, we will get together and talk about Italy--of course, a favorite topic. You can find my e-mail on my website: www.janeandken.com

Anonymous said...

I've really, really enjoyed reading your blog and looking at your images. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this.

Anonymous said...

"Leaving Italy Tears" are being shed for you by your friends in Palm Desert. But then there are the smiles because we'll see you in California. You are in our prayers! Safe travel, and we'll talk soon.

Anonymous said...

Jane, we all still belong to you, and you all to us. It's never over.

Re-entry will be just as interesting to read, especially for those of us who haven't returned and may never return, but fear something might make us return.

You all have been on my mind continuously lately, through several very busy days.

I can't wait to hear how America feels to you and to Casey.

Anonymous said...

Jan and company ~

Have a safe journey home, filled with all of your good memories of a full and unique year in your lives. How fast the time really flew!

Anonymous said...

Jane, I have loved reading about your life in Italy! It must be so hard to leave after such a wonderful year. Have a safe trip home.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home to San Diego Jane! I just read that all went well with your flight and luggage. Also, glad to hear Casey is happy to be reunited with his toys! What a great kid!
See you in Savannah!

J.

Bryan said...

We hope to see the three of you again...in Marche!