It was two,o’clock in the morning. I was
asleep and Teah my dog barked. just
once. She needed, or wanted, to go out to the patio, a few steps up.
I let her out and on returning, the light goes out and I forget that there is a step. Suddenly I am on the floor and find I cannot move my leg. My phone is within reach, fumbling in the dark I manage to telephone my son who lives around the corner, wait for the ambulance.
Hospital, operation, Candance and Bruce will take care of Teah.
One small step and my life has changed.
No more morning walks to bank or to have a cappuccino and brioche at the blue bar, exchanging discoveries on new words in English with Antony and how his son has come in second in a fencing competition.
No more what I was used to doing every morning.
One small step, or misstep, and life changes.
For how long? Forever?
Life changes for me but also for my children. I am no longer independent. We must all adjust to a new situation. If only… how many “if onlys” there are in one’s life. That’s how things are. I think of Mark Twain and his story of how turning back halfway across a bridge, again just one step, one moment, changed not only his life but also that of others.
Now I sit at my computer, hoping the birds will discover the seeds we have put out (so far they haven’t) and thinking of who I am and what my future (and theirs) will be.
Erika Bizzarri 
Erika. I don’t have your email address so this is the only way I can communicate my sorry at your changes. One door closes, another door opens. Your words are always inspiring, even in this terrible situation. Although we’ve only met a few times at the Blue Bar, I’ve enjoyed your missives. Sincerely, Jim Ludwick (jfludwick@yahoo.com)
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Thank you for explaining to us here, Erika. It sounds absolutely awful – in the middle of the night too; frightening and painful. And now everything changed. I do hope that things improve for you soon and very considerably. Warmest wishes.
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Well said, as usual, John. Your friendship with Erika continue to be a great blessing.
Here comes a question from the Dumb Question Department: How do you get your name to appear next to your comment? My efforts to comment here have often been glitchy, and I don’t mind being anonymous. But yours seem to work fine.
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Thank you.
Oh, that’s because I have my own WordPress site and it automatically adds my name to any comments that I make. I am not sure if it is possible otherwise.
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My heart skipped a beat when I saw the title. But I calmed down a bit when I realized you were describing the original accident from which you have been making a stalwart recovery. Your many fans have been applauding you every brave step of the way. I’ve been having trouble getting my posts here to work, so I will just copy this in case I need to try again. Love, always, Diane
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Oh Erika…so sorry to hear this. Really don’t know what to say. Just want the best for you…no matter your age or your current situation. Just remember there are so many people whose lives you have touched and who love you.
Tom Tiberio
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Oh no Erika! I am so sorry. How frustrating. I will be there in 2 months and hope I can help you.
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You see we all care about you, and some of us are perilously close to the same thing happening.
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Dear Erika: Echoing the above, we really do all care a great deal about you as you have touched so many people over the years with your thoughtful words and kind actions. Do keep writing to us on your blog.
I have had several friends in recent years, including my aunt, who made a physical misstep that changed their lives, so every day I am concerned about doing the same. I look forward to seeing you when I return to Orvieto later this summer.
Thanks to your sons Claudio and Lamberto for helping you through this. Alla tua salute, Mike Shaughnessy
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Oh dear 😞 Erika,So sorry to hear about your fall.Things happen……But you are writing stories to tell about it. Please keep it up.I really enjoy your emails.Sincerely,Jo Ellen (Scott) HathawayGonzaga-in-Florence1972-73Ciao!Sent from my iPhone
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Dear Erika, I was so sorry to hear about your accident. I know how easily these things can happen , especially to we older folk. You write as though you have lost independent movement . Is that really the case or do you mean during a recovery period only ? Abbracci,
Mark
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Dearest Erika,
O so sorry to hear of yr fall; yet so grateful it wasn’t any worse and you and Claudio and Lamberto are all adapting gracefully to whatever may be.
Thank you so much for keeping yr large fan base informed. I hope and pray you’ll get back to strolls and social outings by the time artichokes come back into season.
Much love always,
Gianna/Jhan from Arizona
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My dear Erika,
I am sure you know how much I hope you make a recovery. Forza carissima!
Ernie
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oh, so sorry to hear about your fall, Erika. Sending love and light.
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I felt so sorry to hear about your fall. It sounds as though you broke a bone. I don’t know. I want to give you some positive and loving thoughts. I have been living in an assisted living facility since my fall and hip replacement. I still have my condo and studio. You will recover. I just had physical therapy today. Bones heal. Muscles heal. It takes some months, but things can get better. I know you will get physical therapy at some point. Even if you end up with a cane……you can still have your morning cappuccino and brooch…..and good things and move around! My accident got me back into watercolor. I did 70 pieces here and there was an exhibit and talk etc. There is so much we can do. Your writing is so WONDERFUL! What a gift! You will keep writing to our delight! All BLESSINGS AND LOVE, Erika. Aileen, Cambridge MA
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28 February 2025.Carissima Erika, Che peccato!It was with sadness th
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