Rome and a New Eye

The Eternal City not only garnered my attention, but captured my heart. I have discovered multiple, untold truths about myself, as well as viewed myself in a fresh way. Rome with her layers of ancient, timeworn history and inhabitants stories, all physically left behind to remind us they had breath, continue to surround me with repose. Everywhere exists a divergent, distinguishable look, a unique and unambiguous cadence which ushers in each new day.

As I return to Carolina and stroll through my beloved town, Rome will enthrall and absorb every stride. What I won't see in my neighborhood is the metro bus which helped transport Graci to school and us to the next destination if lucky enough to jump on and catch a ride, the Mercato parading Italian vendors selling home grown fruits and vegetables, burlap sacks of beans, bags of pasta, homemade breads, freshest cuts of meat, finest catches of seafood, puffed pastries and mouth-watering chocolates. I won't see our elderly Italian neighbors playing cards outside the local cafe bar, two young Italian lovers publicly displaying their amorous advances, nor store front window spectacles of the latest fashions, if worn, would be unfamiliar to my own being.

What I won't see in my neighborhood are the familiar faces that once appeared as ghosts whom now call me friend, old structures constructed and forged by calloused hands, prolific splashes of color randomly positioned amid rooftops, the busy rhythm of expressos and cafes served to Italians assuming their position; standing and sipping inside our favorite bar. I won't see the breathtaking fountains that adorn the city, forever leaving me awestruck, cobblestone pathways emitting each and every story, while Italians and strangers alike enjoy their first taste of flavorful and yummy gelato.

You see, Rome has left an indelible impression on me which continues to profoundly change my existence. I have seen myself in new way. Although leaving this wonderful city soon, as well as a piece of my heart, I know my return will be welcomed and embraced with familiarity. Rome has given me a new eye for things that would go unnoticed at home in Carolina.

Bridging the Gap

Living in Italy, along with our two children and two dogs, has been an unforgettable experience without doubt. While sitting enjoying my first cup of tea on this beautiful, sunny, yet brisk morning in Rome, my mind recalls our initial few months of living this "foreign language" and reflecting on the decisions that influenced our resolve to pursue this unchartered path for our lives.

Our primary reason for relocating was the opportunity for Jon to help bring Upper Cervical Care to the nations, with Italy being the launching pad. So many of you have asked "Can't he do that living in the United States"...Yes, and was helping get sick people well with much success back home in Carolina. The opportunity to intimately and directly be involved in Research was the challenge that captivated his attention. Jon is working closely with the Italian Medical community as they collectively establish the direct result and function Upper Cervical Care contributes in the healing of selected patients. 


Likewise, the allure of Italy was coupled with purpose and intention. The aspiration to grasp the opportunity with deliberateness allowed Jon and me the resolve to relocate our family with optimism and expectancy that every single thing would line up according to our objectives....moreover our dreams. Oftentimes, the actuality of truth unearths camouflaged pretense which previously eludes you. 


A fresh take on "the lay of the land" so to speak, has provoked the children and me to decamp Rome, while Jon continues to satisfy his contractual obligation here in Italy. Our time will be divided amid two continents; I will soon be home to support and care for my mom during her impending surgery as well as reestablish "roots" for the children, whilst anticipating the next flight.

Rome has forever changed me. I stepped outside myself, followed my "Risk Taker", entwined myself to this Eternal City, garnered courage midst change, proliferated my faith, evolved with fortitude, assimilated a foreign language, and became conscious of essential strands of "candor".