Gravitas Pietas Dignitas: 2/24/19

Follow that voice inside you....

Born, Albion Michigan,12/29/1950 ~ Fell in love with forests and endless cornfields. Saw Lake Waskeegan and liked it! Then a river or two ~ Lake Michigan, then ~ The Atlantic, The Pacific ~ Sea of Cortez.....

Always make time to spend with your inner child ~ this will continue to take you to the most amazing places!

Well there you have it !!! Just turned in the Internet and TV boxes to Xfinity and as of tomorrow morning I am, again homeless. When Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I decided to spend half of my time in Monaco with both Ann and Dad. One of the greatest treasures I have in my life is remembering when Dad told me, "You made her smile every day, thank you." Over the last few years I spent a lot of time with Dad Julie. Every 90 days I would pick someplace to go for two weeks. The last eight years have been quite an adventure…. Bangkok, Phuket, Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon, Rome, Sicily, Bali, Croatia, Paris, Montenegro, Monaco, Finland, Madrid, Prague, Istanbul, Budapest, Bucharest, Greek islands and of course Russia!

After each of these trips, come back here to Dad's, Sharing of my excitement and happiness was fun for us both . I believe the planning for these trips, taking these trips, the face timing and the photos actually added to Dad's last few years. He got a kick out of Irina's FaceTime's each day from Siberia telling him good morning Mr. Lonergan, you look wonderful today! The chocolates she would send him from Russia and the honey she always gets for Julie he very much appreciated. Since he had already been every place I was going except Russia… He was eager to tell me, you must try this place… Have you done this yet? While I never thought I was giving up anything by making the choice to be with both Dad and Ann, I don't think I fully appreciated how much it was doing for me!

I now sit, car packed with the load of clothing going to storage in Reno and feel a bit lost if that makes any sense. I have indeed had a most fortunate and blessed life and I am eternally grateful. I always have and will continue to try to pay it forward. Now the next phase begins, and I have no idea where it will take me, what I'll do... This kind of freedom is daunting. I still have an embarrassment of riches with Kelly and Chad, Luke Nicole and Ella, Irina and of course Julie, Jeff and Greg. And of course you my Facebook family are my social anchor and for that I'm grateful as well. I have always tried to live my life leaving no damage in my wake and for this I seem to have a planet, littered with friends near and far.#ubergrateful. So friends, keep the light on… You never know when I might drop bye!

He brought this home, so pleased that everyone gets an end!

Fish and Veggie Market, Ventimiglia, Italy. Our favorite shopping trip!

swimming

Someone had a post about swimming in the Oceans and I got to thinking ~ I have swum in The Atlantic Ocean, The Pacific Ocean, The Mediterranian Sea, The Ligurian Sea, The Sea of Cortez, The Caribbean, The Gulf of Mexico, The South Pacific and within 3 weeks, The Persian Gulf and The South China Sea. Ya, I like swimming! Don't get me started on rivers. WATER the origin of everything.

Bucharest, Romania ~ 2015 ~ Olesea

On this version of my homeless man's world tour I was fortunate enough to meet an old friend, Olesea in Bucharest. An "Old Friend" with whom marriage was discussed 8 years ago. We talked and agreed that if neither of us found a suitable spouse in 5 years, we would marry based upon our feelings for each other. She actually became quite upset with me when I didn't show up in Bucharest on the date and we stopped talking for a long while. Turns out that now, neither of us wants a spouse! It was wonderful to see her again and to learn how her life has blossomed. With 2 children she absolutely adores and a upcoming singing career, she still amazes me! Originally from Moldivia, educated in Yaroslav, Russia (MBA in Marketing) and now living in Bucharest. Her visits to Monaco were all to brief all those years ago. We have remained in contact for over 15 years now... I am thankful for that. It's wonderful to see those you care for find happiness and success in their lives.

MY first visit to Bucharest was very interesting! Bucharest was first mentioned in documents in 1459. It became the capital of Romania in 1862 and is the center of Romanian media, culture and art. Its architecture is a mix of Historical, Art Deco, communist-era and modern. . In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of "Little Paris." Although buildings and districts in the historic city center were heavily damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes,many are still here. Some you will see below from my brief 3 days there.....

Greek Islands!

Decided 2015 was the year to Visit The Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. Having been on the Crystal Serenity 2 previous times, I booked a room, smaller than previous trips when I roomed with Dad. I booked an economical cabin without a balcony. Crystal, a few days before my departure, upgraded me @ NC to our old room! Good beginning!