Thursday, March 28, 2013
Home!
We made a safe journey and have officially been home for a little more than 24 hours. It was a delight to our hearts to see a large and warm circle of family and friends waiting for us when we crossed the threshold at the airport. I promise a more thorough update sometime this weekend, but for now, enjoy what I saw today - three little girls, happy to be together again!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Good-bye, Winter. Hello, Spring.
I'm sorry that I did not get the chance to describe our activation experience yesterday. We were at the hospital all day long, and then when we got home, our Internet was out. We will miss Italian Internet service -- not even a little.
First, let me tell you about yesterday!
If you have not watched the videos I posted yesterday, you can scroll to the older post to see them. I have a longer one that I would love to share, but I don't have enough speed here to connect it, so you will have to wait on that one. I have a few photos, too, but again, the internet speed here to too slow to load them.
As for the device itself, Anna was SO thrilled. Truly delighted! It is not pink. I think the official color is "anthracite" - something between black and gray. However, we were given a great, big suitcase of materials related to the device, and in the suitcase are plastic pieces that we can exchange to make the battery pack different colors, including baby pink. Anna can choose pink, orange, green or other colors. Who knew? Right now, Anna is wearing the device attached to her clothing instead of using the battery pack over her ear. We couldn't get the earpiece to stay on, and this contraption costs thousands of dollars -- I don't want to lose it or have it break. So, until I can get it to where it will stay on the ear, we are using the pin-on-the-clothing method. It's not ideal because the microphone probably works better on the ear (more similar to how hearing people hear), but for now, that's what we've got.
For those who need mundane details, Anna has been implanted with a Med-El Opus 2 device. After one day with it, I am quite certain that a degree in electrical engineering would have been helpful. It's so intricate and tiny! I'm nervous about breaking it or damaging it. It came with its own tiny tools! I have no idea right this minute how to do half the things I need to do, and all my instructions are in Italian. However - and this is BIG - the Lord is gracious in ALL things, even in the "physics-is-not-my-strength" things. I have a new best friend. Her name is Allison, and she is the United States Med-El Audiologist assigned to help me. I had to call the helpdesk from Italy last night to ask a question about taking the device apart before bed (it has to go into a dryer each night). Allison already knew about Anna, and she answered my question perfectly. Hooray for excellent customer service. I also found out that Allison is planning to be in Los Angeles next month when Anna goes in for her first post-activation mapping session. Did I mention that I already love Allison? Well, I do.
Back to the activation. When they first started playing the beeps, Anna didn't react at all. Nothing. It was discouraging. In fact, I turned off the camera. Then, all of a sudden, I could see it on her face. She heard. I turned it back on, and they tried again, and she reacted again. That was the video you saw yesterday. They did the activation in two portions. The first time, they were able to activate 9 electrodes. Then, the team needed to go to the OR to do some testing on one of the other children, so they left. We went walking about, and later, when they came back, the re-tested. This time, there was a reaction to all 12 electrodes. Several times Anna responded to the beeps. I kept the camera running this time. This is the longer video, and it is actually the end of the day, around 5:00 p.m., when they were fine-tuning the maps for Anna. That's the show you will have to wait to see. I will, however, share another short video. This takes place at the end of the activation session, when Anna plays "the Hearing Game." View it here: http://youtu.be/n167zJICfGY
One the best parts of the activation was that one of the experts on the audiology side is someone near and dear to Dr. Colletti's heart - his daughter. She is a doctor also and has authored many articles with her surgeon father on the follow-up of the ABI kids. She is the one who works with the Med-El and audiology people to get the maps right and to follow the children long-term. I really, really liked her! She has her dad's winning personality, and she was TERRIFIC with Anna! She seemed to instantly "get" that Anna is an actress, and so she instructed the guy who was doing the actual maps about how to get true reactions from Anna. This man, who was very patient and kind, was described to me as the head electrophysiologist from Med-El. He told me that the fact that Anna understood to use her voice was HUGE, and that he and the others were extremely pleased with the first activation. Thank you, LORD! For all the doubts and fears I had along the way were answered. I know the road is long and not nearly even begun, but this child can hear. She can HEAR. As we left the hospital, Anna gave a bear hug to Dr. Carner, who beamed and said, "she such a marvelous child. Just marvelous."
This morning, when I put the device on Anna, she instantly made a face that made me know she sensed the difference. She asked me to clap into the microphone, and I did. She repeated what did - the exact same number of claps. She then went to to cupboard and got out the pan and a spoon. She wanted me to drum! I did, and she reacted again, even when she wasn't looking. Most of the day today, though, I could see no difference in Anna. She was the same Anna. She didn't seem to hear the train, or our voices, or anything else. An encouraging e-mail from her teacher reminded me that this is why they do LONG hours of audio training with the cochlear implant (and brainstem implant) kids. Hearing is hard, and listening is harder! It's hard work for Anna and her friends. In fact, after wearing her device all day, Anna fell asleep two hours earlier than usual. I think her brain was weary!
Today, as we left Verona, it snowed. We were not sad to leave the snow behind. In a way, I think we are moving from winter to spring not only physically, but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. This long journey with Anna has, at times, seemed like the winter would never end. Like the answer would always be no. Like there were no little leaves of hope ready to peek out and sprout. As we leave winter behind, in my heart, I know spring is just ahead. Anna is going to blossom in ways we can't even begin to predict. When she does, I know we will appreciate the winter all the more. After all, how could we begin to really embrace spring unless we had all survived winter?
Seven months ago, An Xiao Chun was truly the "least" among us. Abandoned without even her real identity known, she was assigned a birthdate by her government and handed over to an orphange. She wasn't "just" an orphan - she was a deaf, female orphan in a place where gender matters and people with disabilites are shunned. She had no hope of an education. She had no hope, really, of much of a future. She stayed that way for nearly five years. But GOD! GOD, in His mercy, saw her. In His wisdom and gentleness, He chose her! And, being the way He is, He didn't only give her family. He did more than that. He gave her a way to experience the gift of sound. In seven months' time, this child has gone from orphan to daughter. She has moved from silence to sound. She has traveled to three continents and has radiated her infectious laughter and energy to everyone who meets her.
I will never pretend to understand why some children are lifted out of sadness, while others die never knowing the loving presence of a family, or worse, have families not worthy of the name. I don't know why some people are healed in their earthy bodies, while some are not. I don't know why some winters are harder and longer than others. I don't have all the answers. In this one case, I know this for certain: GOD CHOSE ANNA. GOD HAS A GOOD PLAN FOR ANNA. GOD'S GLORY IS ON FANTASTIC DISPLAY IN ANNA. Anna XiaoChun, your Spring is here!
As we leave Italy, I recognize that I have come face to face with my Savior and with myself. When you really see yourself in His reflection, you feel very small and very weak in faith and very unworthy of His grace. That's pretty much where I am. Utterly at the end of myself, completely humbled and broken, and incredibly, overwhelmingly grateful.
There will be no more updates until we are home. Thank you all for your many prayers and for the unwavering support. You are Anna's precious village - the people who love her, pray for her, and support her unconditionally. From our deepest hearts, we thank you.
Ciao from Italy,
Amy
First, let me tell you about yesterday!
If you have not watched the videos I posted yesterday, you can scroll to the older post to see them. I have a longer one that I would love to share, but I don't have enough speed here to connect it, so you will have to wait on that one. I have a few photos, too, but again, the internet speed here to too slow to load them.
As for the device itself, Anna was SO thrilled. Truly delighted! It is not pink. I think the official color is "anthracite" - something between black and gray. However, we were given a great, big suitcase of materials related to the device, and in the suitcase are plastic pieces that we can exchange to make the battery pack different colors, including baby pink. Anna can choose pink, orange, green or other colors. Who knew? Right now, Anna is wearing the device attached to her clothing instead of using the battery pack over her ear. We couldn't get the earpiece to stay on, and this contraption costs thousands of dollars -- I don't want to lose it or have it break. So, until I can get it to where it will stay on the ear, we are using the pin-on-the-clothing method. It's not ideal because the microphone probably works better on the ear (more similar to how hearing people hear), but for now, that's what we've got.
For those who need mundane details, Anna has been implanted with a Med-El Opus 2 device. After one day with it, I am quite certain that a degree in electrical engineering would have been helpful. It's so intricate and tiny! I'm nervous about breaking it or damaging it. It came with its own tiny tools! I have no idea right this minute how to do half the things I need to do, and all my instructions are in Italian. However - and this is BIG - the Lord is gracious in ALL things, even in the "physics-is-not-my-strength" things. I have a new best friend. Her name is Allison, and she is the United States Med-El Audiologist assigned to help me. I had to call the helpdesk from Italy last night to ask a question about taking the device apart before bed (it has to go into a dryer each night). Allison already knew about Anna, and she answered my question perfectly. Hooray for excellent customer service. I also found out that Allison is planning to be in Los Angeles next month when Anna goes in for her first post-activation mapping session. Did I mention that I already love Allison? Well, I do.
Back to the activation. When they first started playing the beeps, Anna didn't react at all. Nothing. It was discouraging. In fact, I turned off the camera. Then, all of a sudden, I could see it on her face. She heard. I turned it back on, and they tried again, and she reacted again. That was the video you saw yesterday. They did the activation in two portions. The first time, they were able to activate 9 electrodes. Then, the team needed to go to the OR to do some testing on one of the other children, so they left. We went walking about, and later, when they came back, the re-tested. This time, there was a reaction to all 12 electrodes. Several times Anna responded to the beeps. I kept the camera running this time. This is the longer video, and it is actually the end of the day, around 5:00 p.m., when they were fine-tuning the maps for Anna. That's the show you will have to wait to see. I will, however, share another short video. This takes place at the end of the activation session, when Anna plays "the Hearing Game." View it here: http://youtu.be/n167zJICfGY
One the best parts of the activation was that one of the experts on the audiology side is someone near and dear to Dr. Colletti's heart - his daughter. She is a doctor also and has authored many articles with her surgeon father on the follow-up of the ABI kids. She is the one who works with the Med-El and audiology people to get the maps right and to follow the children long-term. I really, really liked her! She has her dad's winning personality, and she was TERRIFIC with Anna! She seemed to instantly "get" that Anna is an actress, and so she instructed the guy who was doing the actual maps about how to get true reactions from Anna. This man, who was very patient and kind, was described to me as the head electrophysiologist from Med-El. He told me that the fact that Anna understood to use her voice was HUGE, and that he and the others were extremely pleased with the first activation. Thank you, LORD! For all the doubts and fears I had along the way were answered. I know the road is long and not nearly even begun, but this child can hear. She can HEAR. As we left the hospital, Anna gave a bear hug to Dr. Carner, who beamed and said, "she such a marvelous child. Just marvelous."
This morning, when I put the device on Anna, she instantly made a face that made me know she sensed the difference. She asked me to clap into the microphone, and I did. She repeated what did - the exact same number of claps. She then went to to cupboard and got out the pan and a spoon. She wanted me to drum! I did, and she reacted again, even when she wasn't looking. Most of the day today, though, I could see no difference in Anna. She was the same Anna. She didn't seem to hear the train, or our voices, or anything else. An encouraging e-mail from her teacher reminded me that this is why they do LONG hours of audio training with the cochlear implant (and brainstem implant) kids. Hearing is hard, and listening is harder! It's hard work for Anna and her friends. In fact, after wearing her device all day, Anna fell asleep two hours earlier than usual. I think her brain was weary!
Today, as we left Verona, it snowed. We were not sad to leave the snow behind. In a way, I think we are moving from winter to spring not only physically, but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. This long journey with Anna has, at times, seemed like the winter would never end. Like the answer would always be no. Like there were no little leaves of hope ready to peek out and sprout. As we leave winter behind, in my heart, I know spring is just ahead. Anna is going to blossom in ways we can't even begin to predict. When she does, I know we will appreciate the winter all the more. After all, how could we begin to really embrace spring unless we had all survived winter?
Seven months ago, An Xiao Chun was truly the "least" among us. Abandoned without even her real identity known, she was assigned a birthdate by her government and handed over to an orphange. She wasn't "just" an orphan - she was a deaf, female orphan in a place where gender matters and people with disabilites are shunned. She had no hope of an education. She had no hope, really, of much of a future. She stayed that way for nearly five years. But GOD! GOD, in His mercy, saw her. In His wisdom and gentleness, He chose her! And, being the way He is, He didn't only give her family. He did more than that. He gave her a way to experience the gift of sound. In seven months' time, this child has gone from orphan to daughter. She has moved from silence to sound. She has traveled to three continents and has radiated her infectious laughter and energy to everyone who meets her.
I will never pretend to understand why some children are lifted out of sadness, while others die never knowing the loving presence of a family, or worse, have families not worthy of the name. I don't know why some people are healed in their earthy bodies, while some are not. I don't know why some winters are harder and longer than others. I don't have all the answers. In this one case, I know this for certain: GOD CHOSE ANNA. GOD HAS A GOOD PLAN FOR ANNA. GOD'S GLORY IS ON FANTASTIC DISPLAY IN ANNA. Anna XiaoChun, your Spring is here!
As we leave Italy, I recognize that I have come face to face with my Savior and with myself. When you really see yourself in His reflection, you feel very small and very weak in faith and very unworthy of His grace. That's pretty much where I am. Utterly at the end of myself, completely humbled and broken, and incredibly, overwhelmingly grateful.
There will be no more updates until we are home. Thank you all for your many prayers and for the unwavering support. You are Anna's precious village - the people who love her, pray for her, and support her unconditionally. From our deepest hearts, we thank you.
Ciao from Italy,
Amy
Monday, March 25, 2013
Activation!!!!!!!
We are now about halfway through the activtion. So far, we have activated 9 electrodes with responses and are at about 75% volume. The team has left to go to the OR, and we will complete the activation later.
Here is Anna when she got the earpiece:
http://youtu.be/h2oaCdh6uIs
Here is Anna when she got the earpiece:
http://youtu.be/h2oaCdh6uIs
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Sunday: House church and tomorrow's forecast!
We had a wonderful, warm gathering with new friends in Verona. The missionaries who invited us to come to their home for church were everything you would expect: kind-hearted, welcoming, supportive, full of grace. What a blessing to spend the afternoon and evening in their home enjoying warm and meaningful fellowship. We had SUCH a nice time, I managed to - gasp! - forget to take out my camera and take photos. I am so sorry!
I enjoyed hearing about their work in Italy and about their previous work in China. We enjoyed meeting the college students who joined us for worship. We sang several praise songs, and they even had some prepared on screen in ASL for Anna. How thoughtful!
We then watched a pod-cast sermon from Breakaway Ministries. The sermon was on the Triumphal Entry, and it was very interesting! There was information that I had never heard. Do you want to know why Jesus made a point to begin his entry into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives? It has to do with God's glory leaving the Temple back in Ezekiel. When you have some time this week, this sermon is definitely worth a listen to understand the importance of Jesus' last entry into Jerusalem: http://breakawayministries.org/Resources/talks/The-Triumphal-Entry
After church, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with salad and a pepperoni-bread main dish. Delicious! For dessert, it was peach and cranberry cobbler with ice cream. Papa was one happy guy! I think this has been my favorite meal in Italy. Full hearts, full spirits, full tummies. What a wonderful end to our last weekend in Verona.
Tomorrow is the BIG day! I am remarkably calm. I expected to be very emotional, and I was earlier in the week, but today, I feel rock-solid. Only the LORD! You all are already praying, and I am happy to provide tomorrow's forecast:
Until tomorrow....
Amy
I enjoyed hearing about their work in Italy and about their previous work in China. We enjoyed meeting the college students who joined us for worship. We sang several praise songs, and they even had some prepared on screen in ASL for Anna. How thoughtful!
We then watched a pod-cast sermon from Breakaway Ministries. The sermon was on the Triumphal Entry, and it was very interesting! There was information that I had never heard. Do you want to know why Jesus made a point to begin his entry into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives? It has to do with God's glory leaving the Temple back in Ezekiel. When you have some time this week, this sermon is definitely worth a listen to understand the importance of Jesus' last entry into Jerusalem: http://breakawayministries.org/Resources/talks/The-Triumphal-Entry
After church, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with salad and a pepperoni-bread main dish. Delicious! For dessert, it was peach and cranberry cobbler with ice cream. Papa was one happy guy! I think this has been my favorite meal in Italy. Full hearts, full spirits, full tummies. What a wonderful end to our last weekend in Verona.
Tomorrow is the BIG day! I am remarkably calm. I expected to be very emotional, and I was earlier in the week, but today, I feel rock-solid. Only the LORD! You all are already praying, and I am happy to provide tomorrow's forecast:
Until tomorrow....
Amy
Saturday in the park
Today was our last Saturday in Verona. There were people EVERYHERE! The first few weeks we were here, we didn't come across any English-speakers in the piazzas. Now, they are everywhere. We have seen some American and Canadian groups/families, as well as some that appear to be from the U.K. There are always several groups from Asia - not exactly sure from where- my best guess is Japan. There are many Italian school groups touring also. We have seen many groups that appear to be teenagers, but also several groups of much younger kids. Anna loves seeing the younger children. I think she would join their tour groups if she could. I think she's missing Amelia and Lucy and just the daily experience of being around other kids at school, church, etc.
Today, in Piazza Bra, there was some kind of outdoor market. There were many booths selling plants of all kinds - and much less expensive than the azalea from the other day, but still more than we would pay at discount garden centers at home.
There were also booths selling all kinds of cheeses, breads, and even meat.
Later today, it turned cold and was overcast again, but no rain!
I made penne with sauce for dinner. Anna may not hear (yet!), but she has NO trouble communicating her feelings. When I took the pasta box out of the cabinet, Anna let me know her opinion.
To close, here are a few more random photos of things that made me think of people at home.
For Melinda - much of the fruit here is distributed by a company that bears your name. We think of you everytime we go to the market!
For Sara, who appreciates things in orange -- how would you feel about an orange bathtub? This one was for sale in a shop window.
For Sherry R, who enjoys a Pringle in the same way I do. Paprika Pringles!
For Grandmama, who loves felines of all nationalities - here is a black and white one we saw sitting in a cage with people taking donations for what I suppose was their version of the humane society. Anna was SO happy to see a kitty! She kept signing "cat" and then Isaac and MaoMao's names for our cats at home.
The excitement is building! Tomorrow, we get to experience house church with missionaries, and then Monday, we have activation. I don't know how I am going to hold it together since I am already on the verge of tears even now!
Praying you all have a blessed Sunday!
Amy
Today, in Piazza Bra, there was some kind of outdoor market. There were many booths selling plants of all kinds - and much less expensive than the azalea from the other day, but still more than we would pay at discount garden centers at home.
There were also booths selling all kinds of cheeses, breads, and even meat.
Later today, it turned cold and was overcast again, but no rain!
I made penne with sauce for dinner. Anna may not hear (yet!), but she has NO trouble communicating her feelings. When I took the pasta box out of the cabinet, Anna let me know her opinion.
To close, here are a few more random photos of things that made me think of people at home.
For Melinda - much of the fruit here is distributed by a company that bears your name. We think of you everytime we go to the market!
For Sara, who appreciates things in orange -- how would you feel about an orange bathtub? This one was for sale in a shop window.
For Grandmama, who loves felines of all nationalities - here is a black and white one we saw sitting in a cage with people taking donations for what I suppose was their version of the humane society. Anna was SO happy to see a kitty! She kept signing "cat" and then Isaac and MaoMao's names for our cats at home.
The excitement is building! Tomorrow, we get to experience house church with missionaries, and then Monday, we have activation. I don't know how I am going to hold it together since I am already on the verge of tears even now!
Praying you all have a blessed Sunday!
Amy
Friday, March 22, 2013
Friday's Fabulous News!
Anna's activation is.....
wait for it.....
wait for it......
ON MONDAY!!!!!!!
Thank you all SO much for your steadfast prayers.
We have been eagerly awaiting this news and this specific day. Anna knows she will get her external earpiece on Monday, and she is excited! She's been telling us all about it al afternoon!
As you pray this weekend, please pray for Monday's events. Anna will have an eABR, which is done under sedation and which is not particularly a pleasant thing (last time, she came back with both ears bloody). Once she is awake and the other children have had their eABRs completed, Anna will be activated. The process takes about an hour from what I understand. They will turn on and test each electrode. Please pray for Anna - both health and safety-wise (activating the electrodes in the brainstem has the potential - though extremely rare - to cause significant, serious issues) and for her reaction to activation -- that they will be able to get her at just the right levels and she won't be afraid. Pray specifically that they will be able to safely and effectively activate all 12 electrodes!
Pray also for our little friends Bruce, Oliver, and Diva as they will encounter the same risks, challenges and rewards when they are activated on Tuesday. Tuesday will be a big day for each one of them and their families. These families have worked hard, sacrificed, fundraised, and even quit jobs to be here. They are precious people who would do anything for their children. Pray blessings on these little ones, their families, and their futures, would you please?
Hearing for the Fabulous Four! Next week is gonna be good...I can feel it already!
Amy
wait for it.....
wait for it......
ON MONDAY!!!!!!!
Thank you all SO much for your steadfast prayers.
We have been eagerly awaiting this news and this specific day. Anna knows she will get her external earpiece on Monday, and she is excited! She's been telling us all about it al afternoon!
As you pray this weekend, please pray for Monday's events. Anna will have an eABR, which is done under sedation and which is not particularly a pleasant thing (last time, she came back with both ears bloody). Once she is awake and the other children have had their eABRs completed, Anna will be activated. The process takes about an hour from what I understand. They will turn on and test each electrode. Please pray for Anna - both health and safety-wise (activating the electrodes in the brainstem has the potential - though extremely rare - to cause significant, serious issues) and for her reaction to activation -- that they will be able to get her at just the right levels and she won't be afraid. Pray specifically that they will be able to safely and effectively activate all 12 electrodes!
Pray also for our little friends Bruce, Oliver, and Diva as they will encounter the same risks, challenges and rewards when they are activated on Tuesday. Tuesday will be a big day for each one of them and their families. These families have worked hard, sacrificed, fundraised, and even quit jobs to be here. They are precious people who would do anything for their children. Pray blessings on these little ones, their families, and their futures, would you please?
Hearing for the Fabulous Four! Next week is gonna be good...I can feel it already!
Amy
Thursday, March 21, 2013
It's our LAST Thursday in VERONA!
Today was a happy day in Verona. The days that we don't have to report to the hospital are always nice, but today was especially pleasant because there was not a single, solitary raindrop. It was even warm enough to walk without our coats in the afternoon. It felt like the first day of Spring!
See that sunshine?!
In the most exciting news of the day, it looks like we will get to meet a missionary family while we are here in Verona. Those who know me well know that I love nothing more than meeting missionaries and hearing anything they want to share. I found this family while researching ongoing mission work in Italy, and read their blog, and then e-mailed to ask where they worship. They have responded with kindest message and invited us to join them for house church on Sunday. We are so excited to go! This family served in China for 6 years before coming to Italy, and they have experience with ASL and a heart for the Deaf. How's that for the LORD showing off His goodness?!?! It just makes me smile, and it makes me itch for Sunday to get here!
As for the day's events -- we were tourists today. We took advantage of the good weather to walk across the river to the area where the old Roman amphitheater is located. The amphitheater was built in first century B.C. under Augustus' rule. It was excavated beginning in 1757, but the excavation was not completed until the 1950s. It's considered one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters in the world.
At the very top of the hill you can see the castle that overlooks the Adige River from the opposite side of old Verona.
I was in need of a taste of home today -- a coke with real ice. Where do you find that? McDonald's, of course. We have not ventured into an American establishment since we have been in Verona, but I I always think it's fun to see what the McDonalds in other countries have on the menu. In China, you could get a green bean fried pie. In Italy, you can get your burger on foccacia bread, or you can choose a wedge of cheese as your Happy Meal side. I did not have cheese or foccacia - but I did have ice! Anna opted for an ice cream cone.
Anna looks like a chipmunk these days. The steriods not only make her appear puffy, but they fuel her appetite, so she eats more than usual. The steriods are necessary to reduce the inflammation/swelling of the brain following surgery on the brainstem. They also help the body not to reject the device. We have begun the process to taper off the steroids, and she should be done with them in another day or so. My nurse practitioner friend tells me that Anna's appetite and the puffiness will gradually reduce.
Today, for the first time, Anna showed signs of wanting to go home. She asked for Amelia and Lucy, and then she went and got her school books out. She found her teacher's photo, and then signed her teacher's name, "Bounds." Mrs. Bounds, watch out! Anna is missing you!
Here are some random photos from Verona:
Why wouldn't you want to dress up a family of pig statues? (This was taken outside a salami shop).
You have to really want an azalea to pay 23 Euro for a small one!
This is me trying to navigate the narrow sidewalk:
For my friend Linda H -- you love the opera, but have you seen the Opera on Ice?
For Ann - the photo I didn't get! In a shop window it said, "Shoes are my life. I need them. I want them. I live for them." Of course, I thought of you!
For Cece - a funky clock collection. These look Picasso's clocks!
For Amelia - Cool masks from Venice. Your Halloween peacock costume would have been perfect!
For Lucy (okay, Melody, for you, too!) - A pink motorcycle!
Last, and definitely least, since I posted my Ode yesterday, it has come to my attention that I am not the only lousy poet in the family. My brother, David, sent this to me in response to my post:
Pray for David and his family! His sister-in-law has taken suddenly ill and is hospitalized. She is the mother of three young children. David and Melinda have taken the children (including a baby) while his sister-in-law recovers from emergency surgery. Pray for Melissa, her family, and David and his family. This is a different prayer request from the request from yesterday, so keep lifting up the other family also.
Ciao,
Amy
See that sunshine?!
As for the day's events -- we were tourists today. We took advantage of the good weather to walk across the river to the area where the old Roman amphitheater is located. The amphitheater was built in first century B.C. under Augustus' rule. It was excavated beginning in 1757, but the excavation was not completed until the 1950s. It's considered one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters in the world.
At the very top of the hill you can see the castle that overlooks the Adige River from the opposite side of old Verona.
I was in need of a taste of home today -- a coke with real ice. Where do you find that? McDonald's, of course. We have not ventured into an American establishment since we have been in Verona, but I I always think it's fun to see what the McDonalds in other countries have on the menu. In China, you could get a green bean fried pie. In Italy, you can get your burger on foccacia bread, or you can choose a wedge of cheese as your Happy Meal side. I did not have cheese or foccacia - but I did have ice! Anna opted for an ice cream cone.
Anna looks like a chipmunk these days. The steriods not only make her appear puffy, but they fuel her appetite, so she eats more than usual. The steriods are necessary to reduce the inflammation/swelling of the brain following surgery on the brainstem. They also help the body not to reject the device. We have begun the process to taper off the steroids, and she should be done with them in another day or so. My nurse practitioner friend tells me that Anna's appetite and the puffiness will gradually reduce.
Today, for the first time, Anna showed signs of wanting to go home. She asked for Amelia and Lucy, and then she went and got her school books out. She found her teacher's photo, and then signed her teacher's name, "Bounds." Mrs. Bounds, watch out! Anna is missing you!
Here are some random photos from Verona:
Why wouldn't you want to dress up a family of pig statues? (This was taken outside a salami shop).
You have to really want an azalea to pay 23 Euro for a small one!
This is me trying to navigate the narrow sidewalk:
For my friend Linda H -- you love the opera, but have you seen the Opera on Ice?
For Cece - a funky clock collection. These look Picasso's clocks!
For Amelia - Cool masks from Venice. Your Halloween peacock costume would have been perfect!
For Lucy (okay, Melody, for you, too!) - A pink motorcycle!
Last, and definitely least, since I posted my Ode yesterday, it has come to my attention that I am not the only lousy poet in the family. My brother, David, sent this to me in response to my post:
All about Verona
Where what’s for breakfast is cookies
And in Italy we’re rookies
It’s Verona
Where there is so much rain
We have to get on a train
It’s Verona
Where Papa just limps
And we don’t see much pimps
It’s Verona
(Hehe, my favorite)
Where they love Juliet and Romeo
Though they died a long time ago
It’s Verona
Where we eat lots of gelato
And haven’t seen a ghetto
It’s Verona
(I know it’s a stretch)
As Eppie loves Marner
So we thank Dr. Carner
In Verona
(Couldn’t find anything to rhyme with Carner)
Where we love our spaghetti
But so much more Dr. Colletti
It’s Verona
As for rhyming words in Italy
Amanda rhymes quite wittily
Only in Verona!
Signed -
David
(your brother's a poet, and you didn't even know it...)
Ciao,
Amy
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Today, My Ode to Verona
When the rain's in the sky
And I find peas on pizza pie --
It's Verona.
When you've you've seen so much penne
And the coffee is mini --
It's Verona.
When you're out with the map
But they've closed for a nap --
It's Verona.
When you look, and "whoa, Nellie!"
There is horse in the deli -
It's Verona.
Where Shakespeare is a hero
(And we don't mention Nero)
It's Verona.
Where they help children hear,
And the kindness is clear
It's Verona.
Amy's Verona Top Ten
1. The pasta. It's fabulous.
2. The pizza. Yummo.
3. The foccacia caprese -- probably my favorite treat in Italy.
4. The gelato. (Are you seeing a theme here?)
5. The church bells. They make the air rich.
6. The nuns. I love seeing them in their habits, just out and about their daily tasks.
7. The little old Italian grandmothers. Love them.
8. The cemetery. Way cooler than the photos look.
9. Romeo & Juliet. I do think its a little creepy that couples flock here for the "romantic vibe," when the famous couple ended up dead. Maybe it's just me.
10. Piazza Erbe's fresh vegetable/fruit vendors. Kind of like a farmer's market, only with kitschy tourist wares (doesn't everyone need a bottle opened shaped like the boot of Italy?).
I love Italy, but I am SO HAPPY that one week from today, we will be HOME.
Ciao,
Amy
PS - For those who were hoping for a "real" update, sorry to disappoint. Nothing exciting happened. It rained, so we didn't go anywhere except the hospital. At the hospital, there were no shots or medicine. It was kind of like a Marco Polo game. Just making sure we're all still here and okay. We are. We were told to come back Friday to get more information about next week's events. As far as I know now, the activation is scheduled for Tuesday. We have a contingency plan in place, so if it has to be Tuesday, it will be just fine. Not my first choice, but we're ready to roll.
When the rain's in the sky
And I find peas on pizza pie --
It's Verona.
When you've you've seen so much penne
And the coffee is mini --
It's Verona.
When you're out with the map
But they've closed for a nap --
It's Verona.
When you look, and "whoa, Nellie!"
There is horse in the deli -
It's Verona.
Where Shakespeare is a hero
(And we don't mention Nero)
It's Verona.
Where they help children hear,
And the kindness is clear
It's Verona.
Amy's Verona Top Ten
1. The pasta. It's fabulous.
2. The pizza. Yummo.
3. The foccacia caprese -- probably my favorite treat in Italy.
4. The gelato. (Are you seeing a theme here?)
5. The church bells. They make the air rich.
6. The nuns. I love seeing them in their habits, just out and about their daily tasks.
7. The little old Italian grandmothers. Love them.
8. The cemetery. Way cooler than the photos look.
9. Romeo & Juliet. I do think its a little creepy that couples flock here for the "romantic vibe," when the famous couple ended up dead. Maybe it's just me.
10. Piazza Erbe's fresh vegetable/fruit vendors. Kind of like a farmer's market, only with kitschy tourist wares (doesn't everyone need a bottle opened shaped like the boot of Italy?).
I love Italy, but I am SO HAPPY that one week from today, we will be HOME.
Ciao,
Amy
PS - For those who were hoping for a "real" update, sorry to disappoint. Nothing exciting happened. It rained, so we didn't go anywhere except the hospital. At the hospital, there were no shots or medicine. It was kind of like a Marco Polo game. Just making sure we're all still here and okay. We are. We were told to come back Friday to get more information about next week's events. As far as I know now, the activation is scheduled for Tuesday. We have a contingency plan in place, so if it has to be Tuesday, it will be just fine. Not my first choice, but we're ready to roll.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Tuesday -- mountains and valleys
What a wonderful day that ended with news from home that sent us straight on our knees.....
First, let's talk about the mountains. There were happy times today. We had sunshine. We had warmth. We also had a 'no hospital' day. We decided to take advantage of these blessings by walking outside. We decided we wanted to see the cemetery and the university.
The cemetery was, without hesitation, the most interesting thing we have seen in Italy. I've never seen anything to rival it in the U.S. or any other country. It was fascinating. Some of the people are buried in single plots, but most of the people are interred in family plots. Most of the crypts have a handle of sorts - just open it up, and add one more family member. The old families have their spots in the main buildings, while other families have individual crypts (they look like individual chapels) in the back gardens. You could spend hours there, reading the inscriptions and looking at the family photos, crests, sculpture, etc. Just incredible. We took tons of photos and will try to post a few tomorrow.
We also went to the university, where we happened upon a few graduations. Apparently, instead of a graduation cap and gown, in Italy, they wear a laurel wreath around their heads and are presented with bouquets of flowers.
We also saw some people being paraded around the university in costume. We're still not sure what that's about. Any ideas??? While at the university, we also met and visited with a fellow Lubbockite who is doing a visiting professorship at the University of Verona. We enjoyed meeting him very much.
Now to today's valley -- we heard from home today and are sadly aware that a treasured friend of our family, a man of integrity, a godly husband and father of four children, the youngest of which is only Lucy's age, received very difficult diagnosis today. He is undergoing surgery this very hour. Please pray for the healing of our friend and for his beautiful, faith-filled family. They are embarking on a a hard and uncertain path today, but we place our trust and faith, and our friend's very life, in the hands of the LORD.
Praying in Italy,
Amy
First, let's talk about the mountains. There were happy times today. We had sunshine. We had warmth. We also had a 'no hospital' day. We decided to take advantage of these blessings by walking outside. We decided we wanted to see the cemetery and the university.
The cemetery was, without hesitation, the most interesting thing we have seen in Italy. I've never seen anything to rival it in the U.S. or any other country. It was fascinating. Some of the people are buried in single plots, but most of the people are interred in family plots. Most of the crypts have a handle of sorts - just open it up, and add one more family member. The old families have their spots in the main buildings, while other families have individual crypts (they look like individual chapels) in the back gardens. You could spend hours there, reading the inscriptions and looking at the family photos, crests, sculpture, etc. Just incredible. We took tons of photos and will try to post a few tomorrow.
We also went to the university, where we happened upon a few graduations. Apparently, instead of a graduation cap and gown, in Italy, they wear a laurel wreath around their heads and are presented with bouquets of flowers.
We also saw some people being paraded around the university in costume. We're still not sure what that's about. Any ideas??? While at the university, we also met and visited with a fellow Lubbockite who is doing a visiting professorship at the University of Verona. We enjoyed meeting him very much.
Now to today's valley -- we heard from home today and are sadly aware that a treasured friend of our family, a man of integrity, a godly husband and father of four children, the youngest of which is only Lucy's age, received very difficult diagnosis today. He is undergoing surgery this very hour. Please pray for the healing of our friend and for his beautiful, faith-filled family. They are embarking on a a hard and uncertain path today, but we place our trust and faith, and our friend's very life, in the hands of the LORD.
Praying in Italy,
Amy
Monday, March 18, 2013
The good, the bad, and the "Lord, give me patience..."
The good: The big bandages came off today, and I finally saw Anna's wound. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There is still some healing to be done, but it looks pretty good.
The fantastic: With the big bandage off, I could finally (!!!) wash Anna's yucky hair! It was so matted and tangled.
Lots of it fell out in the tub. Anna reveled in having her head massaged and shampooed. I then blow dried, and just for dramatic effect, tucked the ends under with a curling iron. Anna was SO thrilled. She ran into the kitched to show off to Papa.
The bad: The doctors are telling me that they don't want to activate Anna on Monday the 25th, as previously planned. Instead, they want to to do eABRs on all the children on Monday and then activate them all on Tuesday the 26th. This is NOT welcomed news.
The "not my will, but Thine" -- I need patience, people! I was not at all happy with this new turn of events. First, I was annoyed since we have specifically talked about the activation date since before we left the States, and from my seat, I can't see that anything has changed. Nobody has told me that there is some problem with Monday (is there a funeral to attend, a piece of equipment being shipped, what???). Second, we are supposed to spend Tuesday meeting with the apartment lady to clear out of our living space, getting ourselves to the train station and taking the train to Milan, finding our hotel, and retiring for an early dinner/sleep because we leave Italy early Wednesday morning. Trying to also do the activation on Tuesday, with whatever built in delays we encounter (remember, we are on hospital time - there are always delays!) is causing me stress. Besides, I was really counting on having at least 24 hours in Verona with the device activated just in case there were any issues, problems, questions, or troubleshooting that we needed handled. As it is, they plan to activate Anna, and then we, with all our luggage (which we will have to take with us to the hospital- ugh!), will have to leave directly from the hospital, catch a train, and head to Milan, at whatever time of day that happens. If we can't coordinate the check-out from our apartment with the activation time at the hospital, Papa may even have to miss the activation all together.
Your part -- Please pray that this will all work out in Anna's best interest, as determined by the Father, whatever that may be. If it truly needs to be Tuesday, then please pray my heart will handle that, and the logistical details will be easily overcome. If Tuesday is not imperative, then please pray for favor - that we could have this done Monday or even sooner (I am free tomorrow!).
The other babies -- As you pray, please remember the other families. Each family has had its own challenges on this long road, and now we are all here together waiting for activation. We are all so eager to see the looks on our children's faces when they hear for the first time. Pray that the activation for each one of these special and precious children will be a mighty success!
I got good and worked up about the delays today, but I am choosing to have a positive outlook. I will NOT now choose to let the little foxes spoil things. In one week's time (give or take a day), Anna will hear for the first time. So will three more darling children. There's no dampering that!
With love from Italy,
Amy
PS - I can't upload photos from here; I will add them tomorrow when I can find a place with a better internet connection.
The fantastic: With the big bandage off, I could finally (!!!) wash Anna's yucky hair! It was so matted and tangled.
Lots of it fell out in the tub. Anna reveled in having her head massaged and shampooed. I then blow dried, and just for dramatic effect, tucked the ends under with a curling iron. Anna was SO thrilled. She ran into the kitched to show off to Papa.
The bad: The doctors are telling me that they don't want to activate Anna on Monday the 25th, as previously planned. Instead, they want to to do eABRs on all the children on Monday and then activate them all on Tuesday the 26th. This is NOT welcomed news.
The "not my will, but Thine" -- I need patience, people! I was not at all happy with this new turn of events. First, I was annoyed since we have specifically talked about the activation date since before we left the States, and from my seat, I can't see that anything has changed. Nobody has told me that there is some problem with Monday (is there a funeral to attend, a piece of equipment being shipped, what???). Second, we are supposed to spend Tuesday meeting with the apartment lady to clear out of our living space, getting ourselves to the train station and taking the train to Milan, finding our hotel, and retiring for an early dinner/sleep because we leave Italy early Wednesday morning. Trying to also do the activation on Tuesday, with whatever built in delays we encounter (remember, we are on hospital time - there are always delays!) is causing me stress. Besides, I was really counting on having at least 24 hours in Verona with the device activated just in case there were any issues, problems, questions, or troubleshooting that we needed handled. As it is, they plan to activate Anna, and then we, with all our luggage (which we will have to take with us to the hospital- ugh!), will have to leave directly from the hospital, catch a train, and head to Milan, at whatever time of day that happens. If we can't coordinate the check-out from our apartment with the activation time at the hospital, Papa may even have to miss the activation all together.
Your part -- Please pray that this will all work out in Anna's best interest, as determined by the Father, whatever that may be. If it truly needs to be Tuesday, then please pray my heart will handle that, and the logistical details will be easily overcome. If Tuesday is not imperative, then please pray for favor - that we could have this done Monday or even sooner (I am free tomorrow!).
The other babies -- As you pray, please remember the other families. Each family has had its own challenges on this long road, and now we are all here together waiting for activation. We are all so eager to see the looks on our children's faces when they hear for the first time. Pray that the activation for each one of these special and precious children will be a mighty success!
I got good and worked up about the delays today, but I am choosing to have a positive outlook. I will NOT now choose to let the little foxes spoil things. In one week's time (give or take a day), Anna will hear for the first time. So will three more darling children. There's no dampering that!
With love from Italy,
Amy
PS - I can't upload photos from here; I will add them tomorrow when I can find a place with a better internet connection.
A quiet and serene Sunday
Since Papa was up amd around yesterday, with the stairs that just aren't avoided in Venice, he stayed in today to keep his knee elevated and to try to mitigate the damage.
Anna and I ventured out this morning for church. We attended mass at the Antica Chiesa Maria, which is a very old little chapel. It may be old, but it's still kicking. There were so many people in attendance that the pews would not accomodate them, and so they brought out chairs. When the chairs filled one part of the sanctuary, they brought in more chairs for the other side. I think, among protestant circles, we tend to think of traditional, Roman catholicism as being very conservative, but today, I saw something different. The service itself was very conservative, but the women wore pants to church (with the most beautiful coats ever!), and a female parishoner read the scripture from the pulpit (sorry, I know they probably call it something different in the Catholic church, but this Baptist blonde can't come up with the word right this minute.) I was so surprised to see that an ancient Catholic Italian church! Go, Italia!
On the way home from church, Anna asked so sweetly for a treat. It was too early for ice cream, so I took her into a bakery for a little treat to take home for later. I keep saying it, I know, but I'm just warning the people at home. Anna is coming home Italian! She loves the sweet treats. She loves the gelato. She loves the pizza. She really, really, REALLY loves the pasta. I think we're going to have to add penne with pomodoro sauce to our rotating family dinner menu. We don't eat pasta that much at home, but I think that's about to change.
It was very cold and overcast today in Verona. Clearly, I should have listened to my friend Sherry who told me to make sure to check the weather before I left (I didn't have time!). In any event, I did manage to pack my winter coat, but I should have packed more like I was going on a ski vacation. I did not even bring a winter hat or scarf! Thankfully, I threw in Anna's hat and gloves on my way out the door. We have used them almost every day. It has been so cold here. The temperature doesn't seem like it would be that cold, but it feels colder than it reads, especially since we walk everywhere!
Once we were home from church, we stayed home in an attempt to thaw ourselves. Anna played with her toys, and we even managed to watch part of a show together on the computer. Our spotty internet service rarely allows this, so it was a treat. Late this afternoon, we were tired of our apartment walls, so Anna and I went out for a walk. We found the Italian Disney Store. This was a fun find, since it's a little known fact that I worked at a Disney Store when I was in school. Their store was much larger than the ones I have seen in the U.S. and seemed to be doing quite a big business. Disney is alive and well in Italy!
As I cooked dinner, Papa and Anna put a new puzzle together. Anna was excited because this puzzle had more pieces than the last one. Anna is not quite as good at puzzles as Amelia and Lucy, but she is learning. She is still figuring out how to put straight edges on the outside and then match colors and lines to fill the inside. She's doing pretty well at it -- she got this 64-piece one assembled (with some help from Papa). Perhaps it is not what other five year olds can do, but when you think about the fact that Anna never played with toys, assembled puzzles, colored with crayons, or did any of the things typical American toddlers are exposed to, I think she's progressing quite nicely. Even so, Anna would much rather cook the dinner, do the laundry or mop the floor. (I see several of you lining up to welcome Anna to your homes for the afternoon.) We do let Anna help with these things, but it is also important for Anna to learn to just be a kid -- to play, to laugh, and to let the adults be the adults.
Tomorrow, it's back to the hospital. I'm not sure what will be happening, but they asked us to come back, so we will come back.
All in all, a restful, serene Sunday. I hope you had one, too!
Amy
Anna and I ventured out this morning for church. We attended mass at the Antica Chiesa Maria, which is a very old little chapel. It may be old, but it's still kicking. There were so many people in attendance that the pews would not accomodate them, and so they brought out chairs. When the chairs filled one part of the sanctuary, they brought in more chairs for the other side. I think, among protestant circles, we tend to think of traditional, Roman catholicism as being very conservative, but today, I saw something different. The service itself was very conservative, but the women wore pants to church (with the most beautiful coats ever!), and a female parishoner read the scripture from the pulpit (sorry, I know they probably call it something different in the Catholic church, but this Baptist blonde can't come up with the word right this minute.) I was so surprised to see that an ancient Catholic Italian church! Go, Italia!
On the way home from church, Anna asked so sweetly for a treat. It was too early for ice cream, so I took her into a bakery for a little treat to take home for later. I keep saying it, I know, but I'm just warning the people at home. Anna is coming home Italian! She loves the sweet treats. She loves the gelato. She loves the pizza. She really, really, REALLY loves the pasta. I think we're going to have to add penne with pomodoro sauce to our rotating family dinner menu. We don't eat pasta that much at home, but I think that's about to change.
It was very cold and overcast today in Verona. Clearly, I should have listened to my friend Sherry who told me to make sure to check the weather before I left (I didn't have time!). In any event, I did manage to pack my winter coat, but I should have packed more like I was going on a ski vacation. I did not even bring a winter hat or scarf! Thankfully, I threw in Anna's hat and gloves on my way out the door. We have used them almost every day. It has been so cold here. The temperature doesn't seem like it would be that cold, but it feels colder than it reads, especially since we walk everywhere!
Once we were home from church, we stayed home in an attempt to thaw ourselves. Anna played with her toys, and we even managed to watch part of a show together on the computer. Our spotty internet service rarely allows this, so it was a treat. Late this afternoon, we were tired of our apartment walls, so Anna and I went out for a walk. We found the Italian Disney Store. This was a fun find, since it's a little known fact that I worked at a Disney Store when I was in school. Their store was much larger than the ones I have seen in the U.S. and seemed to be doing quite a big business. Disney is alive and well in Italy!
As I cooked dinner, Papa and Anna put a new puzzle together. Anna was excited because this puzzle had more pieces than the last one. Anna is not quite as good at puzzles as Amelia and Lucy, but she is learning. She is still figuring out how to put straight edges on the outside and then match colors and lines to fill the inside. She's doing pretty well at it -- she got this 64-piece one assembled (with some help from Papa). Perhaps it is not what other five year olds can do, but when you think about the fact that Anna never played with toys, assembled puzzles, colored with crayons, or did any of the things typical American toddlers are exposed to, I think she's progressing quite nicely. Even so, Anna would much rather cook the dinner, do the laundry or mop the floor. (I see several of you lining up to welcome Anna to your homes for the afternoon.) We do let Anna help with these things, but it is also important for Anna to learn to just be a kid -- to play, to laugh, and to let the adults be the adults.
Tomorrow, it's back to the hospital. I'm not sure what will be happening, but they asked us to come back, so we will come back.
All in all, a restful, serene Sunday. I hope you had one, too!
Amy
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Beautiful, amazing Venice!
Despite my being an average person from a very middle class family, God has blessed me with incredible opportunities to go to amazing places and see amazing things. I have wrestled with lions in Swaziland. I have climbed The Great Wall in China. I have stood on the equator in Ecuador. I have stood in St. Basil'ls Cathedral in Red Square. I have even visited the ancient Chinese canal city of Suzhou. So, I expected to be underwhelemed by touristy Venice.
I was wrong.
All of you were right.
Venice is absolutely the thing of postcards. It's touristy, and there's a reason. Venice is fabulous. What a unique, colorful, wonderful place! It's so unlike any place I have been before. We took a water taxi down the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco and the basilica. We saw the wonderful old cemetery. We took the boat over to Murano and saw the blown glass demonstration and art galleries. We had lunch in a little back alley cafe (where Papa was happy to see the NBA on the TV). I would have loved to crawl all over Venice's crooks and crannies! There was one teeny problem: it was absolutely FREEZING. After less than one full day, we packed it in. It was just too darn cold. The doctor asked me to watch the weather, and since today was our first day to not have to report to the hospital, I did try to keep in mind that Anna is still recovering from surgery. With a little sadness, I left Venice, not having seen or done everything I would have liked to, but knowing it was the right choice. I would love to go back again someday.
After Venice, we drove with our military friends to Vicenza. We got to tour the base, which was very interesting for us for two reasons: (1) My grandpa, the one who shares a birthday with Anna, was stationed in Vicenza for two years in the early 1960s. It was like coming full circle to see where my grandfather spent his days so many years ago. (2) I grew up at Fort Hood, which is a HUGE military base. I grew up going with friends to the bowling alley, movie theater (did you know they always play the national anthem before movies shows on the base?), PX and commissary. So, for me, it was very interesting to see a base outside the U.S. When we walked into the PX, it was like stepping foot right back into the U.S. There was a food court with a Taco Bell (closed!), Subway, and Popeye's Chicken. The goods sold were things we would find at home. Oh, yes, and everything was in English! We really enjoyed getting to spend a little time on the base.
More than anything else today, we enjoyed the good company of friends. After several weeks of it just being Papa, Anna, and me, I think we all appreciated the chance to be around others. Greg, Lorene, Sarah and Zach graciously spent their whole weekend with us, and we were so blessed by their friendship!
Since (as usual), our apartment internet is too slow for photos, those will have to wait until tomorrow.
Blessings and joy from Italy,
Amy
I was wrong.
All of you were right.
Venice is absolutely the thing of postcards. It's touristy, and there's a reason. Venice is fabulous. What a unique, colorful, wonderful place! It's so unlike any place I have been before. We took a water taxi down the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco and the basilica. We saw the wonderful old cemetery. We took the boat over to Murano and saw the blown glass demonstration and art galleries. We had lunch in a little back alley cafe (where Papa was happy to see the NBA on the TV). I would have loved to crawl all over Venice's crooks and crannies! There was one teeny problem: it was absolutely FREEZING. After less than one full day, we packed it in. It was just too darn cold. The doctor asked me to watch the weather, and since today was our first day to not have to report to the hospital, I did try to keep in mind that Anna is still recovering from surgery. With a little sadness, I left Venice, not having seen or done everything I would have liked to, but knowing it was the right choice. I would love to go back again someday.
After Venice, we drove with our military friends to Vicenza. We got to tour the base, which was very interesting for us for two reasons: (1) My grandpa, the one who shares a birthday with Anna, was stationed in Vicenza for two years in the early 1960s. It was like coming full circle to see where my grandfather spent his days so many years ago. (2) I grew up at Fort Hood, which is a HUGE military base. I grew up going with friends to the bowling alley, movie theater (did you know they always play the national anthem before movies shows on the base?), PX and commissary. So, for me, it was very interesting to see a base outside the U.S. When we walked into the PX, it was like stepping foot right back into the U.S. There was a food court with a Taco Bell (closed!), Subway, and Popeye's Chicken. The goods sold were things we would find at home. Oh, yes, and everything was in English! We really enjoyed getting to spend a little time on the base.
More than anything else today, we enjoyed the good company of friends. After several weeks of it just being Papa, Anna, and me, I think we all appreciated the chance to be around others. Greg, Lorene, Sarah and Zach graciously spent their whole weekend with us, and we were so blessed by their friendship!
Since (as usual), our apartment internet is too slow for photos, those will have to wait until tomorrow.
Blessings and joy from Italy,
Amy
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