Saying Goodbye

Over the past 12 ½ weeks Cortona has become my tiny world. Like a princess in a tower, I sit on this ancient hill, safe and protected, the world spread at my feet with Cortona’s army of archers ready to do battle at the first hint of danger. I have been sheltered in my hilltop bower while I grow and begin to blossom.

I will forever have special memories of Italy, especially Cortona, etched in my mind’s eye. Awaking to the enthusiastic song of a choir of birds, and the pealing of church bells calling the devout to prayer. Watching a pigeon poking the ground for tidbits or tottering along with it’s head bobbing rapidly back and forth like a child’s wind-up toy. My tongue discovering a rich and chocolaty ribbon of Nutella in my creamy gelato. Praying in a simple church of stone and in a towering cathedral of silver and gold. The gentle eyes of the Madonna in her glowing mantle of blue, and the haunted eyes of her dying son suffering for the salvation of humanity. Tears pouring down my face as I encounter the grace of La Santa. The rat-ta-tat-tat of snare drums and the heralding trumpets of the marching band practicing at 10:00 PM every Monday evening. Five craggy-faced men huddled around a stroller outside the barber shop cooing at a tiny infant with a wrinkled face. Tiny cups of very strong espresso. The hazy Tuscan light settling gently over the brilliant green countryside like a lover’s embrace. Slim pieces of salty pizza, warmed, folded lovingly, and placed in a white paper sack. Stacks of salty, crispy, garlicky porchetta mounded on a crusty roll. Watching swallows dart and swirl in joyful exhuberance over terracotta tiled rooftops like dancers in an aerial ballet. Three cheeked kisses, shoulder rubs, and warm cries of, “Buon Giorno!”. Walking in the park overlooking the valley, while a gentle sun kisses my face or a soft rain baptizes my soul. Snuggling warmly under a downy comforter while wearing knitted gloves. Red wine, delicious salty olives, and crunchy biscotti. Giggling with wonderful new friends. Generous people who have welcomed me warmly, and treated me kindly. And a curly-haired, dark-eyed man with a pointed goatee crouching to hug a small boy so tenderly.

Arrivederci….you will be missed… per sempre.