Life can change in an instant. My sister Karen found this out intimately on our grand visit to the Vatican where yes, she fell and broke three ribs.

So our pilgrimage adventure started out more adventurous than we had planned. We arrived in Rome excited and eager. It was a rainy day in Rome but we didn't let that bother us for we enjoy being together. I love that about my family how we can make the best of what is happening but our peace of mind was about to be tested.

The floor to the entrance of the Vatican including the restroom floors were wet and Karen found herself falling on that wet floor resulting in three broken ribs. The Vatican doctor was summoned and off to the hospital emergency room we go.

Being in a hospital emergency room in another country can be disorienting for information is what you desire and yet everyone is speaking in a language you do not understand. Oh how I wish I would have payed more attention to my grandparents and mother when they were speaking italian.

My sister will be fine but three broken ribs can be very uncomfortable while it is healing. I notice that while the rest of us are concern with Karen, Karen is concerned about us. She worries that she will negatively effect our trip and slow us down. We all have been there before, the people you care about only want the best for you. This is what love is.

This dramatic episode will only be an additional tale to this journey and the many stories we tell. We will do all we can to make Karen comfortable considering her sensitive ribs. Yes, life can change in an instant and it is a reminder which allows us to pause so we can truly experience each other and the special magic of Italy.

Ciao