MYSTERIOUS RUN THROUGH VENICE

(A short story by Grandma Claudia, AKA ZCMI)

The full moon captured the moment in this strange place where we were to meet, with columns reaching.

The hazing sky set the tone for the mysterious run through the streets & alleys of Venice racing against time.

Crossing the bridges over the watery streets with many steps up, over, across and down, while turning here & there served only by our memories of things we saw or noticed, during the original tour of the backstreets of this ancient city.

We were racing as quickly as possible to catch up with the group ahead who were ready to go aboard their water taxis heading ashore and possibly leaving us behind.

Each wrong turn cost us moments of precious time but increased our senses of where we had gone earlier with our escort, each of us remembered things we saw in the windows, or thoughts we had along the dark alley, or open courtyards.

Hoping for good fortune to find our way among the maze, we went across yet another bridge and counted, with two more yet ahead. Each bridge representing success in our decisions, hoping we weren’t too late, and fearing we had many more walkways to go, while leaving the Byzantine Cathedral behind.

All the while the 16th century buildings surrounded us in darkness, with some faint light playing tricks on our memories.

No shops open, and no one around as we crossed the 3rd bridge where three hooligans sat at the bottom wondering if they could take advantage of our demise. Because of our difference in languages, we rushed quickly by, with only Luke's extended umbrella for a possible defense.

Upon moving on to the fourth bridge, came a rush of hope and excitement!

Knowing we had finally come through to the last section of streets & alleys with having had to only turn back and correct our mistakes twice.

The spirit of Saint Mark displayed the colorful “Glory of God” above the arched door reminding us once again of His protection & guidance while we busted through the last strange, narrow alley, onto the shore with our boat of people cheering!

Yeah!! Luke & grandma have arrived!!

Once aboard we had rest at last, with memories of the danger and excitement of Venice, and with pictures of the gold inlaid Byzantine architecture that was still standing, for all who wanted to see, and feel; an intriguing piece from the past, from a wondrous and ancient time.

                                                                      ZCMI
                                                                     6/11/2012
Luke wrote....
I like it! I wrote a little haiku about that night too.....

Walking through the streets

This island is confusing

It's Luke and Grandma!

I DREAM TO HAVE A DAUGHTER LIKE YOU SOME DAY!

I dream to have a daughter like you some day

Someone who shares with me and cares with me.

A dark haired beauty with deep, beautiful eyes

A good child with tuned in awareness of all that’s around her.

I dream to have a daughter like you someday

To play together, work together, to see the release of sadness.

Even a moment or two … of trust and hope and surrender

With each of us, doing our part to keep the play alittle longer.

I dream to have you for a daughter some day

To love you and not feel your love is tragic for me

To want to share your burdens and do things that delight you.

To have what God gave me ... a son whose bride has arrived.

I dream to have you for a daughter someday

My other daughters don’t mind. They’re not jealous

Don’t mind about your other mothers, they understand

To give to one another is rich and good and God’s plan.

I dream to have my granddaughters grow up to be like you someday

Less the sadness and disappointments, but with depth and strength.

I dream to have my granddaughters grow up to know ... us as wonderful

Women who honor the Lord, can be trusted, and provide a safe harbor.

I dream today that God will soon have His way.

As I continue to struggle with this void in my heart,

I know I can trust He’ll take it all away.

And I’ll end up having a son once again, 2 precious grand-daughters,               

   and a grandson I have yet to truly get acquainted with.

But most importantly, I’ll end up with a beautiful, wonderful

Daughter-in-law…  And she’ll be my only one!

                                                                             ZCMI

                                                                             March 11, 2013