He Said It Was The Greatest Place On Earth
- rachael0824
- May 2
- 2 min read
-continued
There are moments in a lifetime that never leave you. And even while those moments are happening, you know that they are there to stay.
The girl in the orange grove grew up into a very spirited and rebellious teenager. Although she still wanted to please everyone very much, especially Pappy and Granny, she still had her wild ways. She worried her family very much by running away and sneaking out of her little trailer at night. She would skip school and hang out with the “wrong crowd.” She knew that she was disappointing her family, even Pappy, very much.
Pappy wasn’t one for many words. Time in the war had made him depressed and withdrawn. He had heavy guilt and flashbacks from bombings and the plane he flew in. When he left the orange grove for the war as a boy, that was the first time he had traveled anywhere. And when he got back, he vowed never to travel again. So he didn’t have many conversations.
But when Pappy spoke, it was important. And one day, as the girl in the orange grove came to pay him a visit he said to sit down and they would chat for awhile. He simply offered her a piece of land in the orange grove if she would stay and not leave. Ever. He said it was the greatest place on earth.
She has thought about that day many times. And although she was just 16, she was prepared to stay. And not leave. Ever. Being in Italy now? It doesn’t seem real. I’m sorry, Pappy. I hope you understand.
-to be continued
Rachael
If you have been following our journey, you may know us from the blog, 2 Traveling Dogs. We have used our many platforms for animal rescue and healing people along the way. This project in Italy is overwhelming and we simply can’t do it alone. We would love to have your support with any amount here! Thank you so much.
Venmo travelingdogs2
Immediate needs for this coming week : groceries and supplies, clothing for summer, solar panels and water filtration
Comments