A Few Thoughts on Freedom

The last few days have been an interesting mix of studying, relaxing, and having fun. I've had a few tests (studying), laid out in the sun for hours under a perfect blue sky, amongst the wildflowers coming up everywhere in the Tuscan countryside and read my book (relaxing), and been to a few concerts, explored the city, and celebrated Italy's liberation from the Nazis (fun!). I never know what the next day will bring for me here.

Today for instance, something happened that really made me think. I went to the Piazza Dalmazia in the morning with a book and a pastry to sit in a little park for a little while to enjoy the sun and the hustle and bustle of the city. Sharing my bench was a very old man who was sitting with his cane in hand, seemingly enjoying the sunshine as well. Somehow I found myself entered into a conversation with him (in Italian, which made things interesting). He was 82 years old and had lived in Florence for many of those years. Born in Siena, he moved to Florence and was part of the police force here for over 30 years. He told me that he has a lot of relatives here, and he likes to walk down to the piazza in the mornings to see friends and just sit.
Speaking to him made me think of my own grandfather, now almost 90 years old, who was a soldier during WWII. In my history class we are studying Fascism, so that has caused me to have some thoughts about the wars of the past. As I was talking to this man and thinking about what his youth must have been like, I imagine my grandfather in his soldier's uniform, stationed in a country far away from home, during a time when Mussolini reigned supreme over Italy and was not a friend to the Americans. And it made me think that at that time this little old man that I was speaking to would have been the bitter enemy of my own grandfather, should they have ever met in battle.

Strange thoughts, I know, but it made me appreciate the fact that that world of the past, the world of emnity between our countries is gone, and that I now have the freedom, thanks to people probably like that man, and also my own grandfather, to be studying in Italy, carefreely enjoying a foreign city and all the pleasures that come with it, and to be sitting in a pretty little park on a Monday morning, talking to this Italian man. It made me appreciate my freedom and also the sacrifices that others have made just a little bit more than I already did. Coincidentally, today is also the day that, 63 years ago, Mussolini was killed and the war was considered to be over (according to my history book). It really is the perfect day for me to be considering and appreciating the life that I have today and the people who have made it possible.