Day 84--Augustine

I am so proud of Mary! She has learned the philosophy of Augustine, all in Italian! She has a very pushy, moody teacher who is intimidating, and he interrogates his students verbally. She and several classmates were late to class because the absolutely worst teacher in the school kept them late for her class. So, Mary and these other students were late to philosophy. Despite the prof being mad, Mary performed exceedingly well in her interrogation. I cannot believe that she has developed such strength of character, will and intellect.

Day 83--Beautiful!

I took a hike around the vineyards today. It was so beautiful it took my breath away. Poppies are growing wild among the vines. Who will ever see them? And yet they are so radiant? I want to go see them again tomorrow just to make sure someone appreciates them before they fade!

Day 82-Birthday in Roma

    I had a jewel of a day on my 48th birthday. I went into Rome and hopped on the 64 bus. I jumped off at Piazza Navona and walked to Sant Agostino. I prayed there for a long time--it was glorious. I loving being there with Monica and at the shrine of Rita!
    Then I went to the hair salon--whew!
    Then I walked around for hours and then met up with Ron for dinner. What a pleasure to eat outside with him under the stars! We went home to a lovely party the kids threw--a midnight birthday bash. Everyone was in rare form, laughing and playing.
   I must be the most blessed person in the world.

Day 81--First Mass

We went to Mass for the first time in almost 3 months! We had family prayers that night and discussed what it was like for us. Everyone in the family had their own take on what was so enjoyable about it. It is interesting to hear from teenagers and children what the Eucharist means to them. Truly beautiful! My favorite comment from our fifteen year old was, "It's like home!"

Day 80--Paradise

I spent the day with Ron. We spent the afternoon talking about theology outside with the birds chirping and the sun shining, kids running around all over the place, playing with Italian kids in the area. This is a man who stole my heart. He is so kind and loves us all so well. I am the most fortunate person I know.

Day 79-Roma Mi Piace!

When Rome is virtually empty, it's a photographer's paradise! Romans are out and about, and there is no one else. . . 

Day 78--Out and About!

Today we are venturing into ROME! I can't believe it! I hope we stay out till midnight! Just walking around, even if most things are closed, will be such a breath of fresh air!

The kids are suffering these last weeks of school. All the Italians cheat like crazy, and our kids do not but then look worse because their grades are still low (the teachers assume everyone cheats and so who can still fail if they are cheating?). The kids are very, very frustrated with our poor internet connection and school blues. But it will be over soon!

Day 77--Sor Capanna

Ron and I had the most delightful day! We went to campus on business, and then had a lovely time on the patio visiting with friends and colleagues. It was the first time I have been without any of the 6 kids in 77 days. Then we went to get dinner at our very favorite restaurant ever, Sor Capanna in Castel Gandolfo. To our great surprise, they had outdoor dining! So we sat and ate like kings (and queens). Then we brought pizzas back for the kids, and I ate half of Sebastian's! I felt like the "Very Hungry Caterpillar": "That night, she had a stomachache!"
   Heavenly!

Day 77--Kant

   I am positively amazed that Jacob just had a philosophy test on Immanuel Kant! In Italian! How do you say "transcendental idealism" in Italian?

Day 76--Wild Outing

Who knew that going to the grocery store could be so much fun? I volunteered to go with Ron, just to have a little fun with him, and we took Annie and Sebastian (that was bold! Haven't been able to do that for 75 days). We even went to a larger store a little further away. I was so excited that they had a section for school and office supplies--it has been 2.5 months since we've been able to buy a pencil. They also had a small clothes and shoes section, like Walmart. Annie got nightgowns and Sebastian got converse knock-offs. They were over joyed. Who knew that going to the store could be so exhilarating?

Day 75--Learning Spanish

Leigh is positively amazing to me. She is in middle school here in Italy, all courses in Italian. She is also taking Spanish class, which involves learning Spanish from Italian instruction--no small thing! Then, to make matters almost funny, she is taking up German! She got Duo Lingo and studies German in her spare time. An incredible linguist! She told us at dinner tonight she hopes to enter the Classico program in high school so that she can study Latin and Greek. 

   That's my girl!!!!

Day 74--The Eucharist as a Sacramental Sign

   One of the things I have learned in my Eucharist class at the Angelicum is that I know almost nothing about the word "sign" and how it is used theologically, but that it is very rich and I am so intrigued. Thomas Aquinas says that all sacraments are "signs," and that these are "sacred secrets." This is so beautiful--a sacred secret! (ST. III.60.1)
    A sign is something that represents something else. A Byzantine icon, for example, mediates a heavenly presence. The sacramental notion of sign is that the sign is where God invites us to find union with Him. Signs guide Israel's worship of Him. For example, the sabbath, it says in Exodus 31, is a "sign forever between [God] and the people of Israel that in 6 days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the 7th day he rested." When a Jew observes the sabbath, he or she enters into that sign and grows in intimacy with God. All throughout the Scripture, God uses "signs" as to how to relate to God. The Gospel of John is called "the book of signs" and Christ is often called "a sign" although I have not explored that yet. One way I am thinking of it is to say that "God speaks the language of signs." We have to learn to read and understand signs, or we will never relate to God.
    Interestingly, "signum" in Latin (word for sign) is synonymous with "symbolum" which in Greek is "symbolein." In Greek it means "to yolk together." This is explored by Avery Dulles, a Cardinal who used to teach at Fordham when Ron and I were there. This is the big moment for me when I think, "Yes, God yolks us to Him through signs." So that means that you need to find signs, God's signs, if you want to be close to him.
   Another example is marriage. Marriage, especially open to life marriage, is a sign of the Trinity. It is reflective of God's total self-gift among the Persons of the Trinity. Marriage can be a "sign" of God's love.
   I think that, different from sacramental signs, we can find signs in nature that are ways to find union with God. Poverty is a kind of sign--not a sacramental sign, because those are instituted by Christ. But Anthony in the Desert left comfortable Alexandria and went to the desert to find God--by participating in the poverty of Christ. For him, poverty was a "sign."
   I believe that motherhood also has the chance to be a "sign": a vocation in which to enter into the "being emptied out" for another person, as Christ was in his Passion and death (Philippians 2:6). I also believe that adoptive motherhood has a high "sign value," in being able to reflect the blessing of human life.
   I would like to explore this much further, and the non-sacramental notion of sign. Are there things that have "sign value" that are not about relating to God? But that are about becoming your best self, becoming fully human? I will let you know when I find out!

Day 73--CATS

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14s8u631lhzmO0y7iOdgH1Iaq35YgVeOx

Day 72--Friday Happiness

We're thrilled to have gotten to Friday! Ron is grading while continuing to give me my Mothers Day gift of a week off. I turned in my manuscript (Wahoo!), and getting lots of good work done for Mighty Is Her Call (Wahoo!) and studying for my Eucharist class. What a joy! It all started at this meal last Sunday, which was so good!!!

Day 71--RELEASE!

Annie, Sebastian and I WENT TO THE PARK which was newly re-opened! The first time we went, it was Annie and I on "special time" and we arrived in hours that were not for recreation, just passing through. But we did not get caught. Then we went back home, fetched Sebastian, and he joined us for another adventure through the woods and around the park. It was such fun! Then we walked into town for. . . drum roll please. . . GELATO! It practically brought Sebastian to tears to leave the house, ride in the car, run around, and even get a treat. Annie called it a "GRAND OUTING" and thanked me over and over. Wahoo!!!!!! But the town is so empty, I can hardly believe it.

Day 70--Last Day!

This is our last official day of being at home. Sebastian and I began the day with a picnic breakfast. He brought Foxy the horse, whom Sebastian says nibbled a bit on his sandwich!

We also did Sebastian's activity book and a bunch of Annie's homework. I even weeded our flowerbed!

Day 69--Book Manuscript Almost Finished

     Reading through the entire, completed manuscript yesterday, I am filled with gratitude that I have gotten to write this book. I know the following reads like a book preface, but this is just sincere gratitude overwhelming me! I am grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective of motherhood in its dignity, power and sacredness. I am grateful to Our Sunday Visitor Press, and specifically Mary Beth Baker, for accepting this manuscript. I am grateful to Susanna VanVickle, who took leadership of Mighty Is Her Call for the better part of 2019, which gave me the opportunity to move to Italy and write this manuscript. I am grateful to my husband, Ron, who has been relentless in his support of me, and even yesterday as I read the manuscript, he washed dishes and and processed laundry, cooked meals and kept kids on task with schoolwork, in addition to his own academic work.
      I am grateful to my mom, who is both featured in the book and who is an avid support of my thesis and undertaking. My mom is the one who coined the phrase, mentioned on the first page of the introduction, that "feminism left behind motherhood" and that it's time to correct that. I am grateful to her for her willingness to see, explore, learn, and try on new ideas and new perspectives. She is a truly beautiful human being with a deep, rich interior life, always hungry for the truth and knowledge. She is also deeply loving of me and my siblings and exploring our worlds, our thoughts and views. What a blessing her love is!
    I can't wait to send it, ASAP!

Day 68--Monday Revival

   What a wonderful Monday, having to do nothing! Ron and the kids have been vacuuming, mopping, spraying, wiping, chopping, boiling, peeling, and dicing. I have not lifted a finger! What a great experience! I spent the day reading for my Eucharist class and, for personal edification, reading Abandonment to Divine Providence. I feel so lazy! 
    Then Jacob, Ron and I had a nice time talking outside and watching the sunset. What a lovely day! I love having Jacob here--he will be gone in the blink of an eye!
    I also want to share a video I made for my sweet sister, Kimberly, celebrating her and her new baby, Jenna, on Mothers Day. I love you, Kimmy!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Te62WPpYUNnabG2OMrzvK-yseoMjDwPe

Day 67--Mothers Day Bliss

Today was a BLESSED day. Why?
      I ADORE my mom! She is such a blessing to me. She has given me so much, she has fought for my honor and dignity and given me the best that life has to offer. She has taught me compassion, faith, and justice. Thank you MOM!

Day 66--A Photography Outing

   Annie, Sebastian, Charlie and I took a stroll today and I taught Sebastian how to use my camera (it involved a little yelling and panic on my part, but he got the hang of it and managed not to ruin the camera). Annie took some characteristically great shots too!
   Can you guess who took which ones?

[Answer: Me, me, Annie, Annie, Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian]

Day 65--Mothers' Day Gift

      Knowing that I tend to hate Mothers' Day, knowing that I usually cry and lock myself in a room and ask everyone to leave me alone, Ron and the 6 kids presented me with my Mothers' Day gift a little early this year: they announced that starting Sunday, they are giving me a week off. They have created a spreadsheet with chores, cooking, and Sebastian responsibilities that I usually take care of throughout the week. They have divided it up using a color-coding system on Excel.
      "Mom, I can't believe how much you usually do for us!" Leigh said.
      I responded, "That's precisely why is is the best gift I've ever received. You are not only giving me a week off, but will see and appreciate more fully how I seek to love you by doing these things for you."
      I am so grateful to Ron for organizing such an incredible gift! How blessed I am!

Day 64--Kathryn Begins with "M"

     A highlight these days is homeschooling Sebastian. When Annie is doing online school, I work with Sebastian (the rest of the day he plays with Annie and the other siblings!). Sebastian and I organized his reading and activity books and discovered a goldmine of treasures. We have selected one activity book for Kindergarten that is loaded with pretty pictures and projects. I actually made play-dough that requires being cooked on the stove (lasts longer and better quality than non-cooking versions) for the first time in my entire life. I will say it is beautiful--the colors are so vibrant. I can't believe I missed out on that all these years.
     This morning, Sebastian and I were doing his letters. We got to "K" and he did not remember what it was. I told him, "It is K, and my name, Kathryn, begins with K." He said, "No it doesn't, it begins with M!" and he pointed to the M. It was super, super cute.

Day 63--Mighty Is Her Call Ball

I am longing to throw another ball in the Reunion Tower! In 2018, the first one was in honor of the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, with mothers as the guests of honor. [scroll to the bottom the page on this link: https://mightyishercall.com/our-ministry/]

The second one seems desperately needed, to celebrate mothers for heroically sustaining their families all at home during the time of quarantine and shelter in place orders. Mothers have had double triple, or quadruple the work load in the past few months! One friend of mine's husband works on the front lines, since he is a doctor. She has all 6 of her children schooling at home, as she also cares for her 3 year old. Not a moment to herself--ever. My heart goes out to her and so many mothers who give so much and now have to give so much more--it takes many mothers to the breaking point.

It is time to throw mothers a ball! Lord, help us pull it off!

Day 62--Proclaim the Death

     "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 11:26). I marvel that we "proclaim" any one's death. Any death at all. Death is sad, to be lamented, shunned, avoided.
     But we "proclaim" a death, the death of Christ. How? Why? Because in his death lies the power of God--the power of redemption, the power to restore God's people to God, the power of love and its triumph over sin and death.
     When facing a loss or a sorrow, a "death" of any kind, I marvel at the chance to unite it to the Cross, in the hope that it too, would be something powerful, something redemptive. The genius of Christianity surely lies in this--the possibility of death itself being the path to new life.

Day 61--Without WIFI

I stand in complete awe that we have done what we have done these past 2 months without WiFI. Ron taught the second half of his course, once the Rome students were repatriated, off of his cell phone! He was forbidden to go to his office on campus and use the WIFI there! 5 of our 6 kids have on-line courses that they are constantly unable to get onto or being dropped off of, and have to re-enter. I am taking a course at the Angelicum, and the last class period on Google Meet was me sitting in front of my screen, straining to capture the words of the instructor and losing the end of most sentences. So frustrating! The tasks of running our lives all from our little devices that barely connect to the outside world is really mind-boggling. I am grateful we have managed as well as we have, given the circumstances.

Day 60--Tears

   Tears are flowing in the Rombs house today! The Italian government changed its mind about loosening the restrictions. They are loosening a few, but not ones that affect our kids (except maybe being able to leave the house beyond 100 meters). The kids had set their hopes on seeing a few friends. But no!
   We had a long talk, spear-headed by Ron, about how Italy is doing the right thing to listen to the health officials, and that you have to feel like you are over-reacting not to under-react.
    In the meantime, I enjoyed several hours of prayer, reading about the Eucharist, and reading the entire book of Exodus in the Bible today. What wild and wooly origins we have! And there were quite a few plagues mentioned--the most famous ones in history. Most people alive today have not suffered from plagues. But it is as basic to human existence as basic gets.
   God, help our world to heal!

Day 59--Last Saturday of Quarantine

   The Italian government is beginning Phase 2 on Monday. While the new permissions are not entirely clear to me, the strict, home-bound period will come to an end. Our children will be allowed to leave the premises--in Phase 1, only 1 adult has been allowed to get in the car to go to the grocery store. These 6 kids have not left this house and land for 60 days.
    I reflect on what has occurred in our family and in my own life during this time. The older kids spent more time with the younger kids. The younger kids could count on the older kids being home rather at sports practices or out with friends. The kids who are most likely to fight gave in and learned to hang out and have fun together. The kids learned that their siblings are very, very important to them, and their memories, shared experiences and common life are treasures. Everyone liked not having to dress up and to have something of a sabbath from appearances, social pressures and expectations. Everyone learned to look for a bright side, and make the most of a hard situation by setting goals, such as working out or learning a language. Everyone has experienced a leisurely pace--waking up later, not rushing about, having time to paint or draw after school.
    I personally feel like a transformed person. Being an introvert in an extrovert's world, being a low-energy person in a high-demand household, this period has been a relief. Not doing the morning school routine, not driving kids to sports and social activities, not going anywhere has been like a vacation. I find my whole physiology adjusting, getting calm and serene. I have been responsible for 3 meals a day for 60 days--that's 180 consecutive meals. Ron and others have made a few of them and we ordered pizza twice. But I will say that not eating out almost this whole time has been very interesting. I've learned that I like a whole new way of eating. It is simple whole foods. I feel great. Basically, big meals and other indulgences are often for me "rewards" for a hard day at work or being out and about. But when those demands reduce, the "reward" eating and drinking virtually disappears. I like cooking when its not under pressure, and I like real, healthy food that came out of the ground.
    Internally, I feel like I do when I am on or finishing a retreat at a monastery. I have had long sections many days to read scripture and pray. I have unloaded internal burdens that I sometimes carry and now feel uncluttered in my mind.
    My uncluttered perspective on life is: God blessed me with a wonderful mother, father, stepfather, siblings, family of origin and in-law family, and I get to spend the rest of my life honoring my parents and these families, and thanking them for giving me life and for each one giving me a family community. Also, God blessed me with a husband better than I deserved and every day I reap the reward of giving my life to him. And God blessed me with 6 living children and 2 already in heaven. I really don't know how I am so fortunate, and can hardly comprehend how much they enrich my life. God blessed me by creating me and saving me, and I am blessed to be a Christian and get to spend my life giving honor and due thanks to God for his many gifts. I am blessed with health, a peaceful heart, a sound mind, and a gentle and joyful home. It is one where all of us have the chance to pursue our interests and actualize our dreams, as I too am doing--I have gotten to pursue an education, pursue teaching at the university, found a ministry. What a blessing. Everyone in my family has the chance to make meaningful friendships and enjoy many communities of friends who are truly beautiful, wonderful people. What an indescribable gift.
      This is all. That's it. All of the deepest desires of my life are fulfilled. Everyone wants meaning--it is unsettling to feel aimless, without purpose, like a random atom banging into other atoms by accident until we die. But no, I do not have that restlessness. I am wedded to God and given until death separates us to my husband and by extension our children. I have a deep sense of being loved, which my mother, father and stepfather, grandparents and siblings, aunts and uncles have instilled in me. In my adult life, my father-in-law and his whole family have been so loving and kind to me, so hospitable and gracious, I am forever grateful. I know who I am, where I come from. I have built a life with my good husband and by the grace of God it continues to grow with deep roots and tall, flowering branches. God has been so good to me, as have so many people. I am at their mercy, and all I can do is humbly receive their gifts, and due my best to honor and love them in return.
    If my mind and heart are uncluttered, what remains is: I am in every way blessed and grateful.  

Day 58--Birthday Galore!

   The day finally arrived! Annie's character really came out today.

   She and Sebastian begged for Annie's gifts first thing in the morning. "I don't have any gifts for her," I thought. But I said, "Okay, I'll give you just one."
   I had found my old Swiss Army knife last week and she had asked for a Swiss Army knife. So, this morning I got it out and gave it to her. She went wild. We went through every feature and had a big lesson in how to use it safely. She loved it, and Sebastian has begged all day that he can get one soon too (the answer is no).
   Then I broke out a stack of books that arrived for her. But two of them were not actual books, but CD audio books. How disappointing! Annie, however, was thrilled that she and Sebastian could listen to them together.
   Then I gave her the paints that Aunt Kimmy had given her--red paint, just like Annie had asked for. Aunt Kimmy rocks! Annie was thrilled.
   Then I gave Annie an anklet that I had saved since last summer. It was still in the box. Annie was overjoyed and put it on.
    Then I told her about the other gifts that have not come yet: a formal dress, a tea set, and 5 Derby hats that we can all wear to a tea party with her. She was so excited, and we agreed that we'd have a party as soon as they arrive--one for the ladies in our family, and another for her classmates, since there are, conveniently, 5 girls in her class. She was extremely excited.
   We then spend the entire rest of the day baking. We made pancakes, fried eggs and bacon for brunch; BBQ chicken, homemade baked beans, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. And most of all, cream puffs. We made dozens and dozens of cream puffs. We cooked down some strawberries and added them to the whipped cream, and put raspberries in each one. These cream puffs were wonderful! The family ate every last one.
   At Annie's request, we had a tea party picnic--my favorite part of the day. Annie also got to talk with her two best friends from TX, Isabel and Maria. She got to talk to Aunt Kimmy, PawPaw Ronnie, Jane and PawPaw Rombs.
    The kids did a scavenger hunt and then played musical chairs. It was actually funny to see them all get competitive.
   Over and over, Annie said, "This is the best day ever--Mom, thanks for all you are doing to make this day so special!" I was incredibly touched by her. Not a HINT of disappointment, self-pity, or negativity. She was truly elated the whole day. I am so grateful for such a beautiful daughter, inside and out!

Day 57--Annie's birthday preparations

Annie's tenth birthday is tomorrow, and due to the global crisis, her gifts we got her have not arrived in the mail--delayed. How do you give a 10-year-old a good birthday in quarantine without gifts??
   I've spent the day making cream puffs. She wanted cream puffs instead of birthday cake. I've never made cream puffs before. But set my mind to it and really, its not that hard!
   I also got all the ingredients for an American BBQ chicken dinner. I am hoping she will have a good day, hope against hope!

Day 56--Class at the Angelicum

     Reading Aquinas is always a shock. Even after all these years, I always assume he will approach a subject with dogmatic rigor as the hammerhead of orthodoxy. Over and over again, I am surprised by him.
    I was surprised 25 years ago when studying his philosophy, how open he was to competing views, and how he synthesized rather than judged or condemned.
    I was surprised 5 years ago when I was teaching epistemology, how his view was so much more brilliant and insightful than anyone else's--by a mile. I don't know if anyone has done much better, honestly.
    I am surprised now by his theology of the Eucharist. One group is ultra-realist about Christ being present in the Eucharist. Another guy reacts and errs in the opposite direction. Aquinas responds to that guy by just being better than he is at responding to the ultra-realists. Now that's a smart approach.  HIs view of the Eucharist is so much more gentle, contemplative, and comprehensive than his opponents. He never ceases to amaze me.