Fourteen years ago this week, this was my view. To celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary, my parents had gathered their far-flung progeny at a quintessential Italian villa in the Tuscan countryside. We spent a bucolic week touring small towns, spectacular churches, and venerable buildings. We enjoyed spectacular vistas, ate delicious food, and had some interesting conversations. We also had a few family spats, and the roof leaked during a rainstorm…but all of it together was more than enough to create a pleasant package of memories.
I hadn’t thought about that trip for a while. Then, a couple weeks ago, I was scrolling through photo folders, trying to decide what images to share on my Instagram feed. After all, the Sonoran Desert could provide photogenic flowers practically year-round, but we all need some variety in our lives—right? I came across my many photos from Europe and thought, “Why not?”
So, for the next few weeks, I plan to walk down memory lane and take you with me. This week on Instagram, I’ll share photographic memories from in and around Montelandi, the villa where we stayed. I imagine sharing images of buildings and vistas in the weeks ahead…we’ll see what feels right each week. The images might or might not tie in with what I write in my blog. For example, four years ago, I did share a poem connected with another image from this trip to Italy.
Memories matter. They help connect us with who we are, where we’ve been, and those who have journeyed with us. It’s been two years now since my father died, and I’m grateful to remember the times we spent together—and recall how he also loved to take photographs!
What memories rose in your mind and heart as you read this post? If none did, I invite you to sit in stillness for a few moments now to see if something comes. Sometimes, we need to take a break from the constant stream of input in our lives (yes, even from Instagram!) in order for our own images and memories to surface and bless us. When and how might you do that today—or even make it a regular practice in the weeks ahead?
Thanks Shrin, your post brought immediately to mind my attendance at my parents’ 50th anniversary celebration – a big party with our family and their many life-long friends, My parents stayed in the same town and same house for most of those 50 years. I had divorced four years earlier, had fallen in love with my current wife and broken off the relationship out of fear. My mother invited my new friend to the party because she liked her a lot and I asked her not to come. As I sat there alone and watched, I realized how much fear was blocking love. If I wanted what my parents had, and I did, I needed to make a cmmitment. I also had to let go of looking for a perfect person so I wouldn’t get hurt again. I decided that night to ask Geraldine to marry me. After some hesitation and wonder about my changed attitude, she said yes and we have now been married 26 years. Thanks for the memory!
Oh, Tom, thank you for sharing this story! It’s a lovely illustration of the importance of not letting fear and past mistakes run our lives as they are now…and can be. So glad to help you bring that memory to mind.
Peace,
Shirin
Thank you for memories not only of a journey to the Italian Countryside but mostly of your parents overflowing bucket of love toward gifting the family they created out of it.
This did not exactly remind me of our 50th wedding anniversary in which my now-deceased husband and I enjoyed an exquisite dinner at the Arizona Inn, just the two of us holding hands. Busy families scattered … but still good wishes surrounded our special occasion from many years ago.
You’re very welcome, Mo. I’m glad that my story reminded you of the good wishes surrounding your anniversary. Good memories are a blessing!
Peace,
Shirin