The sun danced across my face and I walked with a visible bounce in my step. “I am going to see my sister today,” I thought with giddy anticipation. The whole world had a glow to it that day. The little garden of the Parisian street welcomed me. The cafes and Boulangeries practically exuded joy. I think I may have startled the busy locals with a ridiculous smile I could not wipe from my face. I was on a mission. Winding up and down roads, passing flowers, museums, and churches, my excitement grew. Everything I turned to seemed to sing, “she’s so close, just a bit further!” At last I turned a corner and saw her ahead on the bustling sidewalk.

In that moment, I couldn’t explain the beauty or rather her. I called out and she spun around. Oh my Antonia! The look of surprise and then my matching smile. The beauty of the moment culminated in those eye crinkles and a long awaited hug.

Together in Paris at last!