1905

Spring, USA, 1905

Another century, many springs ago, I see in Nonna’s eyes, anxiety I have never known. She stands close to where I was born as you now stand a thousand miles away, both of us to each other still unknown.

All my forefathers, their blood having irrigated the roots of liberty, welcome you, want you here. Having earned the right to open every door, they’ve told me to proclaim what they have always said before.

May your children be happy always healthy and bring forth many grandchildren filling your life, season after joyous season. And let your family spread like the sweetest grapevine into this new land.

Those who you love will hold that bouquet forever in their hearts and with burning passion and fiery devotion melt away the stiff, bitter ice of hateful winter into fresh water for the fields of your life.

Here, the fruits of your labors will be boundless, rooted deeply into the marrow of the human earth but also delight the eyes of God with a natural, simple vision of His lavender and wild flowers.