I Want to be Italian

Today was another follow up appointment for Violet at Shriner's Hospital in Massachusetts.  Things are looking great and she was given the ok to walk as pain permits.  Woot Woot!  This Mama is happy, let me tell you.  48 pounds adds up fast when you're carrying her through snow, across ice, in mucky spring sludge...you get the picture!  Plus don't forget the walker in your other hand, her backpack, your own purse.  It's a workout!

Last time we traveled north together, we discovered the most delightful bakery.  Like an AUTHENTIC bakery.  As in, the owner served us and spoke Italian.  That's my kind of bakery.  I promised Violet that this time we would purchase a treat and stay to enjoy it.  She loved looking through case after case of cannollis, napoleons, etc.  The choices!  We chose our pleasure and then sat to find ourselves surrounded by Italian grandfathers shooting the breeze.  Clearly they were here often, as younger men came in grabbing coffee on a work break and talking it up with them.  There were probably fifteen men, including a Godfather look alike.  Let's just say Violet and I stood out.  :-)

As I drained my adorable coffee with tiny espresso spoon, the server came over and chatted us up.  I joked about being out of place and it was met with authentic pleasure to have us there at which point several other grandfathers came over to shake our hands.  As usual, Violet was a magnet for attention.  They shook her hand and smiled big welcoming smiles.

I want to be Italian.  I mean really, who wants to be German?!  These people have FOOD and MUSIC and they can yell at each and wave their arms like madmen and it's NORMAL.  :-)

Kindof sad to say we don't have to return to Shriners for another month.  Sigh.  You better believe we've found ourselves a new tradition.