with a little help from my friends

I was checking airfares online when Alexander came up to me and asked what I was doing. I told him about my plans for May, that I am looking at going to Italy for a couple of days. Since my husband lost his job last year and now is back in school (which is great by the way, he has finally found his path in life and I am so proud of him!) our financial situation is unfortunately not such that we can afford to go as a family, but visiting Italy is such a vital part of my life that I figured that between my four jobs I could probably accumulate enough money for a couple of days in Florence on my own.

- Why don’t you stay longer, Alex snapped. I can’t wait for May 13th either because that’s when you leave! Don’t rush coming back!
- What? Why do you say that? You make me really sad when you say things like that!

I could see tears shooting up in his eyes. Something was not right.

- Baby, what’s wrong?

He shrugged, refusing to look at me.

- Would you have wanted to go too? I asked softly. He nodded in silence, tears now dripping onto the sofa.

I held him, stroke his hair. I explained that it is so much more expensive for two people, and at this time we just can’t afford it. He asked how much more it would cost, offering to pay his part with the money he has saved. It broke my heart having to tell him that it would cost ten times as much.

We talked for a while. He misses Italy, and most of all he misses the food. What nine-year-old says that? He misses the food, and the beauty, and the people, and the sun. But mostly the food.

I love traveling with Alex. I love seeing the world through his eyes. I love watching him grow with the experience.
I want to give him that so badly, and I can’t.

Then Jo came up with the amazing idea of an Alex-fund, and although it puts a dent in my pride I am willing to make that sacrifice if it helps me make my boy happy. For Alexander I am willing to do anything, and so I ask with great humility:

Will you help my little boy get a decent plate of lasagne again?

Click on the image:

Every cent counts. Every contribution, no matter how small, is more appreciated than you can ever imagine.
Together we are strong.
From the depths of my heart, thank you.