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...