April is one of my most favorite months as it brings opportunities and smiles. Aside from the wonderful virtual programs we are offering, April is a powerful turning point in the year. Spring is underway. Snowstorms seemingly disappear (well, hopefully). Flowers are starting to poke through the ground. There is a certain excitement in the air knowing that we are thawing out. It also brings me back to when I first traveled to Italy in April, 2014. Opportunities. Smiles.
At the time I was working in a school and they were planning to send me to a conference at the United Nations in Geneva. Yes, I know how insane that sounds. Opportunities. And yes, I took full advantage of the situation. This trip happened to be right after April vacation, so I flew to Italy first, followed by the “work trip” to Switzerland. It truly was a glorious three weeks. However, it was in Italy, where the trajectory of my life would completely change. Smiles.
I flew out on Holy Thursday, a day before my friend who was joining me in Italy, flew out. Upon arrival on the following Friday, I took a nice nap, and then ventured out to see what this new land had to offer. This night, Good Friday, turned out to be divine intervention. Seriously. I was aimlessly walking over the river from Trastevere into the city center and then I saw it: The Colosseum, absolutely awe-inspiring and humbling. And packed with so many people. Is this how it always is? As I approached the crowd, I found my spot and did what everyone else was doing, staring up at a big TV screen that hung on the Colosseum. I thought it to be weird, but what did I know? I was a first timer.
Not knowing what I was awaiting, I did so patiently. Then it happened. A caravan of cars arrived, one of which was the Pope Mobile, carrying himself, Pope Francis, THE rockstar of all rockstars. He then proceeded to do the Stations of the Cross with the backdrop of the Colosseum. There are moments in our life when the extraordinary happens. This was one of those moments in my life. Little did I know how much of an impact my first night in Roma would have. But every April I think about this moment and how grateful I am that I had it. Divine intervention indeed.
As I look forward to my next trip to Italy, two weeks from now, I have replayed this moment in my head quite a bit. Stepping back, I realize that each time I cross the Atlantic to go back this special part of the world, my vision and my path become clearer. I meet new people, learn new things, and eat and drink as God intended. Italy continues to be a source of introspection and inspiration. So I must share with you again my love letter to this country, its people and culture. My thoughts and feelings remain unwavering. Grazie.
To you, Italy, with love.
March 3, 2020
Mio Caro Amore,
It’s hard to believe that almost two years have passed since we fell in love. Exhausted from my travels, I walked off the plane and there you were; waiting for me. There is no doubt in my mind that others feel exactly as I do, because this is the effect you have. Little did I understand this initially, but now I see it clearly. I don’t hold it against you. I never could. You are a part of me.
As our relationship developed, you taught me how to breathe, how to slow down, and how to savor life. I always wanted to approach life in this manner, but being with you gave me a deeper understanding of how. The endless walks we took together possess my most favorite memories of us, just the two of us. It is amazing how 12,000 steps seemed to go by in an instant. I treasure these moments and hold them close.
Your insight into who I am and what I need continues to baffle me. What I appreciate most is that you never tell me outright, instead you allow me to have the “aha” moments that touch me so profoundly. I never know when they will happen, only that they WILL happen. Spending time with you has allowed me to discover wisdom and courage I never knew I possessed. For this, I will be forever grateful.
Although we are far apart more often than not, you have not disappeared from my life. In many ways you have given me more, since I departed. I think of you long, and often, wondering what you are doing. Yet when we are reunited, it is as if I never left. The laughter, the wonderment, and the love continues to flow unabashedly. I know our bond is strong and our love is true. We do not have to be in the same geographic location for us to be together. Love knows no limits.
I look forward to seeing you again soon. In the meantime please know how much I appreciate all that you have given me. This relationship is far from over. I have told everyone about you… numerous times. You have my heart. You have my soul.
Ti amo,
Carolyn
