Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Act One - Am I Dreaming?



Eighteen hours from the time our feet left American soil, we drove through the gates of the Villa San Lucchese, in Poggibonzi.  I wouldn't attribute the feeling to sleep deprivation, as I now know the meaning behind "pinch me so I know this is real.", which pulsed through my mind.  The surreal reality made me feel as if I had strolled onto a movie set.  All the movies I have seen through the years of Italy flashed before my eyes.  I was truly an extra in a movie produced by my maker with His hand-picked directors, my son and his bride.

Benjamin and Bill's excitement would express itself throughout our adventure through constant talking.  They both began to chatter.  Stephen and I became very quiet and introspective.  The groom's (our son's) excitement just warmed my heart as he strolled us through the 15th century villa and it's manicured grounds. You could almost hear him say, "Did I do good?"  When did my little boy become such a man...
"please pinch me."


We arrived in our room to the second sign of excellence.  They had prepared an itinerary with little medical bags on our desk.  The itinerary letter was sealed with red wax and the initial W!  They reminded all their guests that the purpose of Italy was to enjoy the relaxed nature of their culture.  We were to all put behind the "rat race" of our life for this short time.

One hour from our arrival was the Meet and Greet reception for all the guests.  We assembled out on the veranda, which was dressed with white and gold table cloths overflowing with anti-pasta dishes, pizza and a wine tasting lesson.  The sun slowly descended into the Tuscany hills as we visited with each other. Both sets of parents enjoyed getting to know each other as the four of us looked over the young people who had come to celebrate with our children.

Both my son and daughter-in-law are people persons, as well as very successful sales representatives.  Their desire to make everyone feel welcome led them to play a game with their guests.  We were each given a sheet of paper with about 30 one-line sentences in which we were to guess who the person described in the sentence might be.  I immediately guessed my husband and three sons' descriptions.  With the help of all four of the parents, we also filled in several other slots...but many were left empty.
No, the Fathers didn't plan to match!  


I didn't see myself on the sheet.  I had no clue!  That was fine...I was here to enjoy.

As they led their guests through the guessing game while elaborating on each description, we all became a unified group.  Laughter does bring hearts together.  The list made its way to the bottom.  There was one description that was guessed by everyone to be our oldest son.....

Given a box of matches, baseball cards and a blender____________ can construct a house.

Allen and Katie corrected everyone with, "that's Janette, that's Mom!"  To which I shockingly replied with a giggle, "That's ME?"  In the sweet words I could hear them both say, "YES, because you are the most resourceful woman we know!"  My daughter-in-law's dad turned and said, "that is a compliment!"  It was exactly that.  They had described me on their wedding blog as "The Woman McGyver"...I wasn't sure what it meant until that evening... I think I started to glow!

Don't we always wonder what our grown children think of us?  Well, now I know what at least one of my six thinks.  My heart said a "thank you, Lord." right then....what a precious beginning to the movie that God had placed me in.  I was an extra.  I was there to just enjoy and take part in a loving script that my Heavenly Father had written, while allowing my son and bride to direct.  The sun lowered. The Poggibonsi/ Tuscany Valley showed off its beauty.  A Texas mother laid her head down in awe.  It was just the beginning...


20 Joining in with more words:

Sharon said...

Sigh.

Just absolutely beautiful. The description of the scenery and the joy of being together in celebration of love.

But, my mommy's heart beat a little faster when I read what your son said about you. Oh Janette, you deserve every word, but how nice to hear it said.

I'm loving my journey with you to Italy!

GOD BLESS!

Debbie said...

I love it. I can imagine in my head what you mean by the "pinch me" feeling, too.

The words, "...Her children rise up and call her blessed" are ringing in my ears.

Nancy said...

What a treasure our Father has given you to enjoy and to hear those precious words from your son that every mom longs to hear...words of love and affirmation.

I can't wait for the next part of the adventure....

Tanna said...

Her children rise up and call her blessed.

Amen. Oh, Janette. I'm just celebrating with you on this wonderful blessing!!! Ready for more!!

Pom Pom said...

YOU are so sweet. What a treat and what a blessing!

Debbie said...

Oh Janette this all sounds soo wonderful! like a dream. I am so glad we get to travel back there with you in your memories of this "pinch me" event! I am soo excited to hear the rest!

Vee said...

That is a wonderful compliment! I don't think that you're "an extra" though. I think that you are a supporting cast member. This is so much fun to see!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Oh boy... this is so good!!! What a start to your journey. NOTHING warms the heart of a mom like the loving words from her children. By the way... words that are richly deserved in your case!!! :)

Farm Girl said...

How lovely and I am enjoying this so much, I am sooo thankful God has given you this experience to file away in your heart. I can't wait to hear the whole story.

Christine said...

Extra? NO!, a major actor!

I really like what Tanna said as her comment!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful!..what a great story you are telling us. Looking forward to the next installment!

Angel said...

What a wonderful experience, Janette!

Thank you for sharing Act One of your movie. Your lovely words and photos have made it so the rest of us can feel like extras too. :)

Blessings!

Maryann said...

This brought tears to my eyes, you are richly blessed janette. I can't wait to hear more

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am still so thrilled that you got to take this trip. And what a sweet and creative compliment.

Fondly,
Glenda

camp and cottage living said...

Janette
It's all so awesome!!

Debbie Petras said...

Oh Janette, what a wonderful beginning to this amazing Italian adventure. What a lovely description of you. It reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. Looking forward to more photos and ...details!

Love you,
Debbie

Vickie said...

Hi Janette! Wow. That's all I can say! I've been doing some catching up this morning, and my friend, YOU have been on a journey in more ways than one! You have such a testimony and are sharing it with us about how the Lord is working in your life! I give Him praise for what He is doing! I'm so thrilled that He provided for y'all to go to Italy and be with your son and his wife. They are such a cute couple, and more babies on the way! And look how much your youngest has grown! I love what you said about not seeing the army behind you. I'm going to tell my sister about that. Congratulations on all your good news! God is so good!

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

What a huge, huge blessing. What a beautiful God we serve. I was in Sicily a few years ago with my parents visiting my father's village where his parent grew up and left to come to come to America.I can see, hear and feel the beauty as it is like no other. Take in every moment. You deserve it. What a blessing you are.

Sandy said...

Hard to read this without shedding years of joy. The hand of God was there turning every page of your family's story. Waiting for the next installment....
Hugs-

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Oh Janette, what an experience! Your memories will last a life time! I agree with the assessment, you are a resourceful woman! God Bless you and your family.

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