The last words my mom heard Toni say perfectly were, "Maman, sonnez les matines!" (just like in the nursery song, "Ding Ding Dong!"). Toni was living in Liege, Belgium with my dad, who was a coal miner, my mom, and my sister Nora. Toni, named after our maternal grandmother, Antonia, [...]
marykay celebrated her 70th birthday this past weekend here at Little Renaissance with her family, Rick, and me! Her children (adult children) Dominic, Dave, Rosemary, and Mike Jude were here with her, celebrating their remarkable mother. marykay booked this weekend's yoga retreat with us well over a year ago. The [...]
My family's home village, Grotte, has its fair share of vibrant elderly people. When I was 16 and visiting Grotte, my cousin would take me along with him to visit his maternal grandfather. I am not sure exactly how old Nonno was, but I can say he was OLD. He [...]
Sometimes there are no answers. Sometimes it's best not to ask why. Sometimes nothing makes sense and you just try your best to stay sane and strong. Sometimes when you are on vacation, having the time of your life with with people you love, you hear the saddest of news, [...]
We got back from Chicago (actually stepped inside our condo) at noon today, unpacked, made a grocery list, and went to teach. I am pretty tired this evening, so will let the photos and captions do the talking. In short, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family and a [...]
