Gorman and the Globe 4.19.10

The Greeks and the Gormans - One in the Same (4/19/10)

Amalia here ... We just visited Stacy's Dad's village where he grew up - Halandritsa - your average sleepy yet charming Greek village town. She was going there for the purpose of meeting her great-aunt for the first time ever. As her aunt wasn't feeling well Stacy went into the house alone, and it turned out for the best as she had a very emotional visit. She and her aunt exchanged thoughts and feelings and passed on loving messages from family members far, far away. While she visited I strolled the tiny town and snapped photos to share with Stacy's father upon our return. I hope that I've captured some familiar locales that will bring him back to his childhood days! As Stacy left it was clear that this is a memory she will soon not forget.

I am so happy to have shared this experience with Stacy as I feel like I also took something away from this joyous meeting. To see Stacy so touched by the love pouring out out of her 92 year old aunt - even though they had never met - truly exemplifies the Greek's cherished family values. Open arms and open hearts - the Greek mentality. It also made me stop and reflect on my own family and our valued relationships. I know how blessed I am to be so close to my relatives. We really are each others best friends, advisors, confidants and overall protectors. We know when to let each other roam and explore - while I miss them all dearly I will bring back to them profound ideas (perhaps!), insight, traditions and most of all - new ways to have fun and celebrate life. And they will welcome me home with open arms and open hearts - just like our fellow Greeks.

Stacy's example today personified the core Greek value - family is the most important thing. And it makes sense to highlight that connection to our Rotary trip because when you sense a strong family bond then you, the individual, are ready to go out into the world and share that good nature with friends and strangers alike. That is what all six of us are demonstrating on our excursion in Greece, and the Greeks are one hundred percent reciprocating. Rotary is the perfect platform for these types of values to be displayed upon - and with our journey here we are communicating that back to our little corner of the world - which is a very comforting thought.