Thank you, my friends.

 Dear N + A, R+U,

Wow, what a weekend. I came off a super crazy busy stressful week of work. First in Luxembourg with a groundbreaking for the new building (the primary reason I moved to Lux!), dinner with my boss that night, and then a 4AM taxi pick-up for a 6AM flight to Milan for our first ever client conference event in Europe. Intense doesn't begin to describe it. On my feet walking all day, and standing for hours on end- I was in Milan, but it wasn't "fun". I was going to skip the optional walking tour of Milan the last day, to simply sit for a bit, but as my colleagues had other urgent tasks, I got pressed into joining one of the tour groups. I swear I couldn't feel my feet at the end of the afternoon! Saturday I toured the Duomo, then caught the train to Verona. I had hoped to sleep, but a friendly old New England lady found the seat across from me and ensured a chatty trip. I walked out of the train station, weary in body and soul, summoning the energy to go outside and figure out where you were. But N+ R, you were both inside- warmly waiting to welcome me and take my bags immediately. We got to the car, and A and U came out quickly to give me warm hugs as well, and make me feel immediately welcome. I only met A and U last time I 5th wheeled, but their kindness was genuine. 

Thank you, N, for planning the entire weekend. I wasn't great at booking a train, or telling you when I was coming, but you were gracious with me. You had the most lovely lake side adventure planned for us that afternoon. It was simply lovely to stand peacefully by the water and listen to the birds. I could feel my soul refilling and my stress dissipating. My blood sugars instantly came down from the insane levels they had been hovering at for more than a week. 

You all did so much to make me feel welcome. You were happy to share foods- insisting that we share desserts family style, and generously offered bites of every one of the multiple rounds of food we enjoyed all weekend. You took care to make sure my glass was always filled, and that I lacked for nothing. 

But the care you showed- wow. None of you or your partners are native English speakers, yet even when you were tired and the day had been long, you generously choose to speak English so I could follow along. Even if I didn't ask, one of you would take care to always explain to me the joke or conversation. You asked each other for the words if you weren't sure in English, to never leave me feeling left out. I'm also secretly glad for the free photographers :) And the personalized tour guide. And your thought for me. You all know my physical limitations, and I heard comments that showed how much you had thought about the agenda for the weekend, and if it would be manageable for me. You watched out to see if I was fading, and anything needed modified. 

I got a front row seat to your love. I saw both sets of partners so affectionate with each other. But more than that, I heard all four of you speak so generously about your specific partners. Noting their likes and dislikes, and how you had adapted your life to that. Graciously ordering foods the other would like, commenting on items they would want, and so many other small tangible ways of showing how much you care for each other. It's not often that I get such a privileged view into wonderful relationships, and I'm grateful to have seen inside yours. 

Your partners- wow. They cared for me, even both having met me only once. They took care to walk and talk with me, to sidle up to me when ordering food and ensure I was understanding the menu and ordering what I wanted. They included me in the games and conversations. 

And when I left this morning, the warm hug from A was accompanied by the statement "this is your home". I felt a lump in my throat when I realized the impact and depth of kindness of her statement. Even recalling that moment this evening makes my eyes smart with tears. 

It's hard being alone, and taking care of everything yourself. But the bowl of fresh cut fruit N handed me, or R carrying my bags, or U choosing the wine we would drink- it was all a symbol of care. N, you rallied the office to welcome me as well. From organizing a delightful lunch, and introducing me to the people, to ensuring that they would organize a taxi to the airport for me- I have felt like a queen this entire weekend. 

I couldn't be more grateful for you friends. Who warmly welcomed me into your weekend, your birthday plans, and your homes. Ciao, addio ai miei amici.