A blog for Claire

Saturday, March 27, 2004

¶ 6:19 PM

Back Again

It's been a while. Internet connection has been down and we left the country. We went to Rome! The weather didn't cooperate but we had a great time anyway. Cold wet drizzly days could dampen our clothes, but not our enthusiasm. We went to the Vatican the first day we were there and saw the Piata and the Sistine Chapel. We saw churches and Basilica, ruins and more. Oddly enough one of the most fascinating sights for me was the way the Romans parked. They paid no attention to any of the usual rules. Bus stops, sidewalks, medians, curves, curbs, all were parking places and I never saw a parking ticket being issued the whole time we were there. One day we took a high speed (Eurostar) train to Florence and went to the Ufizzi and tracked down Michaelangelo's David. The food, of course, was delicious and again we seemed to have the best meals in the little neighborhood restaurants. One day we went on a bus tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. Breathtaking. I saw so many beautiful little black-haired, dark eyed young ladies that reminded me of Claire. A como si bella! I prayed for you and for your family in each of the basilica. I hope and pray that you are well and happy. More later.

¶ 6:01 PM

My son, Ted, has cut off all contact with his family, primarily with me, but effectively with all of us. A major consequence is that I am unable to have contact with my grandchildren, especially with Claire, nieta de mi alma. This is one of the most painful events of my life. I love my grandchildren dearly and missing them has caused me grief that is at times nearly unbearable. Friends I trust have told me to journal and to keep a record so one day she'll know I missed her daily. This is it.