Searching ancient records: the Director of the Commune and Ombretta
Ombretta and I were like Thelma and Louise: two women—one American, one Italian—on an adventure. I was Thelma, needing help; Ombretta was Louise, organized, meticulous, fearless.
After Cousin Ferdinando refused to help me find Nonna’s remote village of Rotondella, Ombretta—a friend of his whom I’d met at dinner and who spoke fluent English—called me in Cortona, where I was preparing for my solo trip south to Basilicata.
“I have decided to go to Rotondella with you. Your cousin won’t budge. You don’t understand the language, the culture of the south, the problems with transportation. You cannot go alone.”
I was stunned. When I left the States, Rotondella had existed only in my imagination. Somehow, Nonna had sent a petite, strong, blue-eyed, blond-haired Italian woman to guide me.
“Ombretta, thank you.” My eyes filled with tears. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I must hang up now. I leave tomorrow for work and have much to do,” she said.
Then, softer, almost whispering, she added, “I know how important this trip is to you. We will find your grandmother’s Rotondella—and your origins. I promise.”
My reflection: Help sometimes comes from the most unexpected places – a passage in a book, a conversation with a stranger, an unexpected call from a loved one. Sometimes, a friend arrives just in time. Ombretta was that friend for me.
Something to think about: I’ve always loved the saying, “People come into our lives for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.” I’ve been blessed with friends from all three categories. Maybe we all have.
Everyone should be blessed with a friend like ombretta…and just so you know , most people do not have that blessing.
You’re so right, Karen. Sometimes an angel shows up – unexpectedly- and we are blessed. I was blessed to know you – an extraordinary teacher with a compassionate and gentle heart. My guess is that you were that kind of blessing to many of your students. I know you were to your own children. My love to you.
Libby, you said help sometimes comes in unexpected places. For me it was a passage in a book, Stay Close, your previous book. I learned of SanPa in your book and was able to get my son there where he overcame 13 years of addiction. He now has a beautiful wife and daughter and is doing post doctoral cancer research.
I am anxiously awaiting your memoir which arrives in two days!
So, I have tears in my eyes after reading your message, Connie. Your son overcame a 13-year addiction and is sober, happy, married, has a child, and is doing post doctoral cancer research. God bless him and God bless you. Angels come – in person, in book, in a comment – when we are on our knees. Thanks for sending this message. My love to you and your beautiful family.