Final First Impressions

Final first impressions:

There are pictures of Franco throughout the house – smiling, holding his children, with Mikki. Several of you asked about donations. The charity of choice is Doctors Without Borders. Mikki speaks often of Franco; I have yet to have the children refer to papa; still too painful. They will soon be back in school and their lives will take on familiar routines.

This afternoon I watched a 15 minute video – pictures of Franco’s life; edited by his brother-in-law Marco. It was touching. I was very teary at first and also laughing – all at the same time. I’m bringing a copy of it home with me and will give the state side family a chance to look at it.

Mikki surprised the local community by having a “celebration” of Franco’s life; after the funeral (and yes Philip they did do “the walk” from the church to the cemetery.) Bruno wasn’t sure he initially could approve but afterwards he thought it was so wonderful that everyone should do it.

Chris called last night – Ernie remains in the hospital and still not eating but Chris finally got the doctor’s to agree not to release him home but put him in a temporary care facility until he is stronger and can care for himself at home.

Aunt Deloris, I hope you’ll continue your calls – both Chris and Mikki love talking to you.

It’s still very warm and muggy here. I’m working on expanding the flower bed just off of the veranda. It extends about a foot and I’m proposing to make it 3’ wide and add lots of perennials – probably starting with lavender as they could survive the hard dry ground. The ground is as hard as a rock but with a little water and a shovel; it can be done. The soil here is like cement. I explained “layering” (newspaper, grass, newspaper, leaves, etc…) to Mikki and she has Adrianno (Franco’s brother) starting to work on her vegetable garden.

Adrianno is living upstairs in The Barn – a lot like Franco, has a smile that makes you want to smile back. Not only does his being here make the parents feel more secure; he’s such a willing worker and has a great relationship with the kids. I’m sure Franco would be pleased.

Signing off for now. Believe we’re off to get a spritz and for Morgan to eat our chips while we drink our spritz.