Safely back in the stateroom of our ship, we stood on our balcony to view the coast of Italy in the port of Napoli. A bus tour had taken us through the narrow and crowded streets of this thriving port town. The magnificent palaces of past kingdoms rule, before the unification of Italy, gave evidence of the might of numerous rulers over this port kingdom. We could see Vesuvius in the distance, its peak shrouded in the mist of hovering clouds. Thirty years prior, we had climbed with my sons to the peak of the cauldron of that giant responsible for the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. To the south of Vesuvius lies the town of Sorrento where we enjoyed outdoor entertainment years before. Further along the southern coast we could see the Isle of Capri glistening in the light of the October sun. Memories of climbing the steps to Ana Capri brought back the wonder of years gone by. We were nearing the end of our journey for this time and feeling eternally grateful for yet another opportunity to view these locations so rich in our memory. We have learned that places and objects of beauty and wonder come alive in the presence of a thankful heart. May your life today be enriched in the presence of thankfulness.
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