MILESTONES

Everyone has memorable moments that stand out as highlights or markers...extraordinary events that shape their lives. Some are planned, others are not.

Weddings - as young lovers and products of the rebellious 60's, we defied generations of tradition and family wishes and declined the expected "big fat Italian wedding", choosing instead an intimate ceremony and reception.

Military Service - newly married, we naively embarked upon a two year Army assignment to Naples, Italy, believing that we'd fit right in because of our Italian-American background.

Careers - finally able to pursue our respective careers, we bought a house and partied like the 80's yuppies we were.

Parenthood - we were blown away by the indescribable intensity of emotions and the sheer, absolute love that erased all the previous self-centeredness of our lives. We devoted ourselves to the unparalleled joy of raising a child.

Empty Nest - the necessity to re-focus and set new goals became a priority. Which brings us to...

Two Thousand Ten...Twenty-Ten...2010 - however we refer to this year, it will always mark an enormous milestone for us. We lived in Italy! For as long as we can remember, spending a year in Italy had been a goal....a dream. We didn't know when or how or if, but we never stopped dreaming and researching and learning and preparing in anticipation of "someday".

It is with a huge sense of gratitude that we add "Our Year in Italy" to our list of milestones: for grandparents who were brave enough to emigrate; for families who maintained the traditions; for expats who blogged and shared; and for Soriano residents who were kind and welcoming and infinitely helpful. Mille grazie!