Monday the 17th of Aug – Crystal Ball

One year ago, if I had looked into my Crystal ball (the one I always carry in my bag. You just never know when you’ll need it), I would never have foreseen dining with Ian on the main piazza in Perugia. Or visiting Cortona with Richard and bumping into Anthony Hopkins. Or having a cocktail with Martine in Florence. One year ago, I hardly knew Ian. Martine and I had never even met. Anthony and I, now, that’s a different story. We go way back and it’s re-assuring to see he hasn’t changed at all. He still wears a white linen suit and a Panama hat, drinking Chianti, charming the locals. Martine read somewhere that he never quite got out of his character in “Silence of the Lambs”. When I saw him again, he certainly looked like he’d be having a nice Italian for dinner…

How strange Life is…Before Ariane, I don’t think anyone ever performed an Indonesian Sakti ceremony in honor of my sister. I never would’ve expected a “blessed” wooden Statue to be sent oversees to a Perugian Hospital. Before Paco, I don’t think Mara was ever awarded a medal shipped from Mexico to Italy. Paco ran a Marathon sponsoring Cancer Research and chose to give it to her in recognition of her valor. I’m just naming a couple of the many very touching moments and gestures our friends have privileged us with.

Mar’s down to 43Kg. She’s very upset and terrified they may send her back to the hospital. “Never again, Paul! I’m never returning to that place. I think I paid enough for my family. We’re never going back unless it’s for a birth”. The randomness of this illness makes her realize how precarious life is. In her frequent moments of profound sadness, she also fears for our wellbeing. The thought of one of us going through a similar ordeal suffocates her. This sadness she feels is indescribable. It pierces through the core of her being and all Mar can do is endure. She says she doesn’t think, she only feels and it’s unbearable. I see the despair in her eyes and I sound like a broken but reliable record when I say: “Mar, be patient. It will pass.”