happy birthday to eric

today, on his birthday, i’d like to acknowledge my husband, eric.

adjusting to a new country, a new culture, a new way of being over the last few years, has presented oh-so-many challenges. affecting each of us individually, but also as a couple . . . ripple effects in our marriage.

with some of the things we share a common bond . . . daily frustrations due to the language barrier, our sons living so many miles away. but other struggles have been uniquely our own, and these particular issues sometimes pull us apart rather than bring us together.

there has been much joy, many things to celebrate, with this move to italy. and our respect for and sense of ease with each other have made these moments even better. however, we’ve had misunderstandings and arguments as well. exchanged harsh words, even silence.

but through it all, eric’s remained by my side.

i find myself dependent on eric in ways I hadn’t been before . . . as my chauffeur for one. since it’s illegal to drive on a U.S. license one year after obtaining residency – and i have yet to master the 250-page driver’s manual and subsequent tests, both written and road, ALL in italian – i must ask him for rides everywhere. “can you take me there? i need to go here.”

this obviously limits my freedom and introduces a somewhat unequal footing in the relationship. it also creates a longer to-do list in his already-fully-scheduled day (which is busier than ever since he was recently asked to participate in an exciting new artificial intelligence startup company).

but no matter how busy he is, eric’s never refused.

there is so much more to this story, of course. there always is. high peaks and low valleys.

yet we continue to navigate our way through. through events that occur in the u.s. in our absence, and through events that occur in italy in our ignorance.

today, on his birthday, i’d like to thank my husband, eric.

for his strength, for his sense of adventure. for his insight, for his courage.

but especially for his love.

 
 
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guess what?

my upcoming spring retreats
are 3/4 full!

that’s right – 6 of the 8
available spots are already taken!

but there is still time to ACT . . .

my italian retreat
 

 
 
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