Thursday, December 24, 2015

A Different Holiday

Each Christmas is different. A year ago I was over 6000 miles away and getting ready to spend Christmas Eve with some of my Roman family. While much of the preparation was normal to them, nothing was normal to me. I spent the afternoon working along side Fabrizio and Abul. Packed up, had drinks with them, Sandro, Paola and everyone left in the Campo. Then tagged along with him as he went home. 

Because I was the first one there, I was able to spend some time with Silvia and the boys. The rest of the the family starting with Marina began to arrive...and so did the fire brigade.As we watched and listened from our  balcony the Firemen attempted to gain entry to a nearby apartment. The son of the woman living there had called the fireman because he could not reach his Mother. They tried the door without success and finally after some confusion and lots of noise were able to get in through one of her windows. While surprised to see the fireman she still greeted them with a happy "Buon Natale". With her hearing aid turned off and the music turned up she too was cooking the Christmas meal...you have to love her and her spirit.

That started a three day holiday celebration like no other I have ever enjoyed. While I can not be there in body, in spirit I certainly am. 

Auguri a tutti! baci!