Philadelphia 2

So many thoughts, such a small blog.   

I was walking around Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia yesterday afternoon, trying to process so many thoughts which were shooting around in my head.  I had been in the city all day.  So many nice things happened yesterday, and I was feeling grateful just to be alive and breathing in city air. 

First, I rode into the city with my brother in law, who has been very ill, but was well enough to drive into Philly to sign the lease on his new office for his consulting firm.  A milestone.

Then, I sat on the steps of the Art Museum, gazing at City Hall, talking to a stranger for over an hour about life and moving around and perceptions and about what draws us to certain places.

Then, I met two ladies who I knew only through the Internet who came into the city to meet and have lunch.  It was cathartic.  Wonderful, interesting company, lots of laughing, in a beautiful environment with beautiful food, surrounded by art.

Then I went shopping at J. Crew and had a Michele Obama moment. 

I met my sister, who was taking course in town,  at 30th Street Station and rode the ancient SEPTA train back to the countryside with her.

Seriously, what a day.  To be in America, to be doing those things which we do in America.  

At the same time, I was missing Micha.  Badly.  He loves Philadelphia as I do.  I saw us walking around Rittenhouse together, trying to control Max on the street.  I felt their presence with me. We have shared so much for so long, and he is taking care of our life in Italy right now, so I can go back to it feeling reinvigorated.  

The emotions slammed through my head, as did the impressions, of life in the States and of life in Italy, of the good of both and what is missing in both.  How you can't have it all.  How you have to be grateful for moments in both. How special they both are.  How much both demand of you.

I felt very alive, and fell asleep very early.