Full Circle

Departing in the heat of summer. 

To a place unknown.  The familiarity would be 3 sorority sisters who feel like blood sisters to her now.  Learning to navigate the small streets of Florence.  The food. The schedules.  Trains.  People. Wine.  Olive oil.  4 classes. 2 days of the week. The rest proving to accept the amazing lessons in life.  Travels.  Humans. Nature. 

December would come.  The temperature would drop to 30 degrees.  The streets lined with lots of rain.  Thunderstorms.  Tourists in that little town would slowly dissipate.  The quiet of the flocks flying away from that popular spot. 

The homesickness would kick-in, in November. 

A mom would remind her that in exactly one more month she'd be landing back on US soil.  A place that is suffering such turmoil these days. 

Fires. Politics. Warm temperatures.  

A semester abroad studying in an Art School.  Proving that fear of being so far away is doable.  Flying with your wings spread wide for your heart to beat strong for, is the best compliment to yourself.  

To you Kali.

These life lessons of this semester will prove its worth for years and years. 

I secretly have been counting down the hours to see you again.  Mostly to know you're home safe. From harm.  From the countless things that a mother worries about, but told herself over and over that if something happened to you, you were doing something you wanted to do.  And loved. 

I am rushing around making sure there's fresh flannel sheets on your bed, per your request.  You have no Christmas gifts this year, because...well, Italy...jk- LOL

Just kidding. I'll help fund your nails.  And mayyyybe your hair trim.  

Might get really crazy and fill your stocking. 

Bring it home little one. 

Bring home those hundreds of pictures.  And videos. 

 I can't wait to sip coffee this weekend.  Together.  Smiling at the challenge you accepted and accomplished. 

You make me proud.  

You make Dad proud.

You make your grandparents proud. 

Mostly, this mom.  

I know the real you.  And this adventure was far from what you've ever imagined doing ten years ago. 

   

 My little birdie.....I hope your 14 hour flight is full of good people.  

May God help ease your anxiety, and your fears.  

I love you ----

7 Countries- 15 Cities- 4 Months. 

Countless train rides.  Bus rides you'll never forget.

Back pack packin' down the cobblestone streets of Italy.

So much charm, laughter, love, good food, bad food, fun times, sad times, silly bike rides and most of all the EXPERIENCE on this beautiful Mother Earth. 

Happy Wednesday!

If you need me this weekend, I'll be cooking, listening, loving and cookin' some more....

xo

This Mama Lisa