The Amazing Sights on my First European Vacation

​This past weekend, after overcoming jet lag from my recent first trip to Germany and Europe, a friend asked me, “So what amazing sights did you see while there?”
 
I paused for a moment, thinking how I was going to answer. Sure, I landed in one of the most diverse and vibrant cosmopolitan cities – Frankfurt. I marveled at the greenest hilly vineyards emerging through morning mist. I crossed the scenic Rhine River while zooming on the Autobahn, faster than I’ve ever ridden in a car. Toured the most important European military base – Ramstein Air Force Base - to get my “on-off” post credentials. Pushed a shopping cart through a seemingly endless retail labyrinth also known as largest PX in Europe.
 
But none of these meant ANYTHING because of other sights and sensations that were so profound…
 
My son, waiting for me curbside with that proud, “We did it, Mama” look on his face.

​The quiet hospital room where I first spied my daughter-in-law Maura peacefully cradling her newborn daughter the day after giving birth. 

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My first touch of the baby’s soft skin and silky hair. My  tears tricking onto her receiving blanket as I embraced them both.

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My raspy choked-up voice as I held that little angel for the first time, rocking her, blurting out, “Hello, Nova Rae. I’m your Grandmom."

The every-little-detail recap I wanted to hear about Nova’s arrival. Watching my son Perry hold her victoriously in the air, against the morning sunbeams streaming through the hospital room window, like the new Lion King on his Pride Rock. The slow, strained movements of a post-partum mother still in pain, but smiling whenever she spied the baby. 

My son offering his Sergeant’s muscled chest to the newborn he’s now vowing to protect for all time. 
 

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The happy homecoming to their charming, decorated-with-love first apartment together, now crowded with all things baby, ready to initiate. Beyond drowsy-eyed Maura adjusting to Nova’s constant feedings. Watching them both snoozing blissfully – baby nestled on her chest – in the pillow-puffed oversized recliner. 

Perry dropping his “Call of Duty” video console for diaper doodie. Both of them tag-teaming a messy diaper change that went on and on and on. (And laughing hysterically together the whole time.) How Perry wrestled with the new diaper Genie bags and what happens when you don’t read the instructions.

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How Maura began to learn her baby’s cries and what each meant. How Perry maneuvered a frying pan, recreating their favorite “Green Chicken” dish – scrumptious! How smartly they shopped to manage their household budget on a soldier’s salary. Watching Maura tenderly tending to Nova’s every need through sleep-deprived eyes and a healing, aching body. Perry stopping to choose a new dress for Maura to remind her how beautiful she is. Presenting it to her with adoring eyes.

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How in love they were – we all were - with this new life of theirs.
 
That’s what I will remember most. And the number of times I kissed every crevice of that child, and promising her all the fun we would have together.

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These were the most beautiful, unforgettable sights of all.
 
May you see such joyous sights in your lifetime.
 
Joyfully,
 
Nova Rae's Grandmom Scarlet 
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P.S. I can’t forget to mention the gelato truck - a Mister Softee-like ice cream mobile food van - who made the most incredible Amaretto sundaes unlike anything ever served on a neighborhood truck in my home town! And on a military base. AMAZING! But not as sweet as Nova Rae!

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