Arrivederci...also known as Good Bye in the English language.  Today I said good bye to my sister, daddy and mommy.  I will only be abroad for four short months.  They are also all coming to visit me in Florence. Yet, it was a much bigger goodbye.  It was a good bye to the customs and English language that I am so accustomed to.  It was a good bye to my former self.  I know that this trip will change me, hopefully for the better. ;) 

My sister and mom had to stay in Omaha to visit the knee doctor, our good friend Doctor Brown.  Equaling a tearful goodbye in Omaha.  My dad drove me the rest of the way to Des Monies.  Also, pronounced Da Monies.  I have to concentrate very hard to pronounce it the correct way.  Maybe I will do better with the Italian language.

Arriving in Des Monies my dad instantly changed.  I think he has been very worried about this day for a few weeks along with my mom who has been keeping it very well hidden.  It is tough to send your 22 year old daughter across to the world to a new country where she does not know anyone. My parents are so brave.  They are such wonderful people.

Saying good bye to my dad at the gate was tough....maybe I can tell you more about it later. 

As I am writing this in the airport tears are welling up inside me. All the while there is a very friendly grandma sitting beside me trying to talk to Louie on the cell phone.  I think the whole airport can hear her.  From tears to laughing in minute!!! Oh boy they just called for boarding!

Happy Tears of Good Bye