Palmabella's Passions

Brad opened cards from me and Luigi ("I poop...you scoop!"). Then I surprised him with a card Federico left for him for Father's Day. We had a leisurely breakfast of cheesy eggs, bacon, melon and Caramel Cinnamon Rolls.

After breakfast, we enjoyed TWO Skype calls from Federico and his family. It was wonderful to speak live with him and see his smile. He has been busy returning to his Italian life, meeting with teachers to give them copies of what his classes covered this past year, and spending time with his friends and family. His mom said the whole family enjoyed "the movie" and all cried at the end.

We are trying hard to get used to his absence. He is greatly missed every minute of the day!

Here is a photo of Brad and his son:

We had a long afternoon nap and caught up on DVR-saved TV shows from May!

It is beautiful, isn't it? So is its new case!

What does YOUR Siri call you? You can teach her your name, you know, or what you would like to be called. I know one teen she calls, "My Love". Another friend has her call her, "Your Highness". MY Siri calls me, "Federico's mom"!

Last Friday, I was at a professional Law and Ethics conference. I sat next to a wonderful friend and colleague I hadn't seen for a long time. I love this woman, who is two decades older and wiser than I am, still does therapy two days a week, and is beautiful and gracious. We were both there early before the presentation began. She asked me what I had been up to this year, so of course I told her all about Federico, and showed her photos on my i-Phone.

At our mid-morning break, she asked to see my phone and look at the photos again. I made a comment about becoming a mom at 60, and said, "Better LATE than NEVER."
She looked at me and said, "God is never late. He does things when it is exactly the right time!"

Thank you, Rena! So much wisdom in those words!

Federico called me from Rome, saying, "It is so weird. Everyone is speaking Italian!"
He is safe and re-entering his world of family, friends and school. We are at peace. Thanks for all the support!

Yesterday was tough. So many feelings: Sad, gut-wrenching sobs, no sleep, hundreds of clingy hugs, sweet reassurances and tender, loving words from Federico; his friends in and out of the house at all hours the past three days to say more tearful good-byes, and finally the ride to the airport.

Federico checked in with more than twice what he arrived with. He had two huge pieces of luggage, both overweight, a packed-full carry-on and heavy backpack. His bags weighed in at 54.5 and 58.5 pounds. The girl at United, didn't flinch, and heaved them on to the conveyer. I guess it pays to be attractive. (I have had to remove items at 52 lbs.)

We watched him go through security, and finally watched the plane take off from the end of the runway in Palm Springs. He texted us from LAX as we were pulling into our driveway!

This morning, I am off to work, with swollen-shut eyes, but a feeling of peace, that he will be in the loving arms of his family in Rome by 9:30 this morning, our time. He will skype that he is safe in Italy, and I will run out of a staff meeting with my i-Pad to hear his voice.

Thank you to all of you wonderful friends and readers who "get it". Thanks for your support, emails, comments and hugs.

I will write more about our journey as parents during this incredible year!

We had 8 teens and 8 parents over for a Pasta Party, "Ciao For Now" dinner for Federico. There was lots of fun, group participation, a poker game, and plenty of great food for all.

After dinner we all watched the "Federico's Year in Palm Desert" DVD.