My Girls

I'm so proud of my girls and how this trip has contributed to their personal growth:  A note about each one:

I've really enjoyed watching Olivia grow into a young adult on this trip.  I suppose it was already happening, but when you have this much one on one time, you see things you might not otherwise notice.  The first week we were all together, I thought Laura, Olivia and I were going to kill each other as we battled three ways to establish a mutual understanding of how Olivia was going to establish her independence while our parental authority was maintained.  We worked out, however, with practice and a three-way commitment to try a little hard to communicate, rather than yell and command.  Since then, things are pretty smooth.  Although Olivia misses her peers, and spends lots of time FaceTiming and checking in back home, she is equally engaged with her new world and enjoying trying new things, learning things, trying to live in a foreign culture and thinking about her future.  When she ordered a salmon pizza last night, I nearly fell over!  When she dyed her hair with a blue streak, I swallowed hard.  Mostly she is self-confident, talented, bright young woman, teetering on the brink of adulthood, with a developing interest in boys and what the world around her holds Sometimes, she is a prematurely old lady, but I can't wait to see what the world holds for her and how she will insert herself into it.

Meredith:  I think I mentioned previously that Meredith was christened "Maria Luce" by the Omnia ticket agent, who couldn't pronounce her name.  That's a fitting name because Meredith brings light everywhere.  She is truly a beautiful soul.  An adventuresome soul, not so much.  Still on this trip, I've seen her emerge from her shell, and tackle the Roman world with enthusiasm and a new spirit.  Privately, we've been referring to each other as "Lewis" and "Clark", reflecting the fact that she is always the first person to volunteer to accompany Dad on an exploring expedition.  Early on, she learned the way through the twisty, turny back alleys and took to showing everyone else the way home.  Lately, we have to remind Meredith to "stay with the herd".  Otherwise, she'll be so far in front of the rest of us, we might lose her.  Going to the market, the square or anywhere in the neighborhood doesn't phase her in the least.  The other side of Meredith which has surprised on this trip is a deep connection to spirituality.  Every time we wander into a church, she simply stands and gazes.  More than once, she has wanted to kneel and offer a prayer for someone or something she is concerned about.  She has a favorite chapel in St. John Lateran, that somehow speaks to her, where she can sit for hours and gaze at the bright white altar carvings.  (She is always drawn to bright and light--never the dark.)  We will need to find ways to support and develop her in this in the years ahead.  Lastly, I love how Meredith's brain works.  She is always asking questions--good questions--looking for a deeper understanding of what she is seeing.  She is not afraid to pick up technical explanations and read them and ask for explanation.  She is awesome.

Cecily (or Cecilia, as we call her here) has been a trooper on this trip.  Before we left, Cecily didn't exactly have a rap for being the most patient of travellers.  But as the days have rolled by, Cecily has become "intrepid."  She trudges her way across the city with no complaint.  From her shorter vantage point, she often sees things others don't.  She listens in on every conversation and will contribute her two cents worth, look for elucidation or even join in.  Her nightly blog posts--undertaken without complaint--often insights as to how she is seeing the world, and are always interesting, both in terms of content and sometimes spelling and punctation! Cecily has a necklace at home that reads, "Though she be little, she is fierce."  That's certainly true here.  Nothing intimidates Cecily, and she will be the first to attempt to speak Italian, or to track down a waiter to ask, "Dove il bagno?" or to march to the counter to negotiate a purchase.  The best example of this was the night she decided she wanted to purchase a painting from a street painter in the square.  She asked me for the money, marched over and negotiated the purchase herself.  It was a joy to behold.   Italians LOVE her, and smile at her everywhere she goes with good reason.  She really is adorable, and I love her spirit.  Cecily will "make it" in life, no matter where she goes and no matter what she pursues.

I couldn't be prouder of the three young women I am raising.  Always, but especially at this moment on this trip, I love being a Dad.