Speranza avete un viaggio sicuro!
I’m the oldest of 4 children. And I’m the only girl. My mom and I were always outnumber, but because of that, we are pretty tough cookies. We have to be.
Especially, except on days like today. The tears got me. And I’m thinking that they probably got my mom, too. I can almost guarantee that they did. She trained me.
Right now, my oldest, little brother is on a plane to Italy. He got a job through the Dept of Defense teaching 2nd-4th graders at a military camp in Livorno.
He’ll have a normal size classroom full of American children that travel the world with their military-employeed parents. He’ll be over there for at least 1-2 years. I know he’s excited.
It’s taken him a few years, and he’s had some “lost” spells…..we all do….but he’s finally found something in life that he absolutely LOVES. Teaching. And he’s great at it. It fills him up and makes him the happiest I’ve seen him in…well, a long damn time. I’m happy that he’s found his “thing.”
He’s going to get to see parts of the world that most of us only dream of seeing. None of my family have lived out of the US for long. (My next brother (down the line) spent some time in Iraq, but I’m quite certain he wasn’t really “enjoying” his over-seas trip.) I wonder what it would be like to live among such an old, rich culture? I’m looking forward to hearing his stories and seeing the life he builds for himself. Part of me is a bit jealous. But I’m channelling the green bug into my pure, excitement and admiration for him. It’s awesome.
We had a party for him a couple weekends ago at our family’s lakehouse. It’s very hard to get everyone in one place on short notice…and we knew when he got his “ok” from the Italian Embassy…he’d be on the next plane (classes start on Monday) It was good to get everyone together. It was good to celebrate such a happy event in his life…together. We’re all going to miss him.
I am going to miss him.
I’m so proud of him.
Ti amo, piccolo fratello.
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Chi si volta, e chi si gira, sempre a casa va finire.
I knew I should have learned a second language. Bon voyage to your brother.
How exciting!
A high school friend of mine is a DOD teacher. She’s in England now but she has spent time in Italy and Iceland too.
Plus 2-4th grades are fantastic to teach! Al the best to your little bro!
Just think, now you can go to Italy and you’ll have a place to crash!
Buena Suerte!
(that’s Spanish, I’m nearly as motivated today as you all are, language wise)
I’m the oldest of five.
One of the great things about growing old is that you get to see how the stories turn out.
Just got back from two weeks in the Colorado Rockies, where we spent considerable time with one of my brothers and his family. All fine people; his girls are a hoot. While I’m not equally close to all my sibs, they’ve all turned out to be fine folks and great parents.
While we were there, we dropped off our lovely and talented daughter for her sophomore year at CSU. Met a couple of her friends. I couldn’t be happier for her, her choices in life and her future.
Going to a high school reunion a few years ago got me up to speed with a bunch of folks I shared that neurotic time with; they’ve grown up to be interesting adults with great stories.
Congrats on a great family and here’s to their (and your) continued adventures!
I shed some tears this morning as well. My little Elmo called his Uncle this morning to say goodbye. We will miss him so much, although we will enjoy having more openings at the lake house!!
HI!!! Yay! I’m sure B loved to hear from Elmo this morning. How great!
(and glad you commented! see…that wasn’t so hard :p )
Life, as well as saying goodbye, is bittersweet. I imagine both yours and your brother’s losses (and joys!) have guided and prepared you all for where you are today. Good luck to the both of you!
