Stumbling Stones

Street led to the Vatican
We are ages 69 and 67, youngsters
by all accounts.

Throughout the decades of our life together, we had always said Let's go to Rome someday. Our answers were When the kids are older.

Then as time went by and our progeny left home, we said again, Let's go to Rome someday. Our answers were We have to save up for retirement. AND we can't get off from work.

Then after these excuses we eliminated, Let's go to Rome now. Does May sound good to you? Retirement and strong investments and inheritance from our mothers allowed us to do that.

We took the leap, found ourselves on a bus tour with 40 other retirees, having an awesome time. 

Leading to Sistine Chapel

On two days we were on our own explorations.  Everywhere we turned along old winding streets, we were amazed to see local churches. Small churches were tucked in at corners and looked unimpressive.


But each one was filled will their own grandeur, well-used by parishioners. The kneeling rails showed decades of prayers. We were utterly humbled.

A small church tucked in a tiny street. I slipped
down a step, but only my
pride hurt.

How-ever, this post is not about all the crazy 

amazing historical splendid sites that could merit days and days of exploration all by themselves. This post is about the little things.

This is from the Jewish Ghetto.

Now, instead of looking up at the gilded and amazing ceiling paintings, I found myself gazing down.  Looking down at the cobblestones, I discovered shiny gold bronze plaques embedded within a sea of gray. Looking closer, bending over, I gasped as I read the engraved names and dates.

The left one reads (with difficulty, given its wear and probably misspelled): 

Qui Abitava

Dora Fiatelli

Nata 1887

Arrestata 15.3.1943

Auschwitz

Morta 1.7.1944

Can you read them? Enlarge and see these "stumbling stones" as they are called.

These stumbling stones can be found throughout Europe, in probably every country.

Life is about the big and the little bits throughout history.  It is easy to see the big grandeur amazing epic bits.

But for me, thecontemplativecat, turning a stone over and finding the magnificent there, this is the way I am.  Looking down, as well as up, grants a picture of time and people.

Our someday has become someday we will return and learn more.