Many Happy Returns, Lambeth!

Today is my dear friend Lambeth's birthday! Happy, happy birthday from across the pond!

I've known him for, what is it now, 16 years this summer? We met in Rome, when we were attending a summer program. As a former professor with the school, he and his wife were able to attend the program. I was a rising senior, about to finish college and go off to grad school.

And that summer changed my life. I had been abroad briefly before--trips to Greece, a summer on an archaeological dig in Tunisia, some time in England (Lambeth's home)--but living in Rome for three months was miraculous. I still often dream that I'm walking through the streets. I visited hundreds of churches, ate my weight twice over in gelato, learned some Italian, visited the Domus Aurea and other amazing sites, decided to change my classical studies major to art history (well, not change--added a major. I"m actually 4 credit hours short of two whole separate B.A.s), and made friends that have lasted all these years.

Lambeth, you should know that you are very important to me. I'm not always the best correspondent and some years have been much leaner than others, but you are often in my thoughts. I love your stories (both from your own life and those you've picked up along the way), your wide breadth of knowledge, the articles you clip and send in the mail (though I rarely remember to tell you that I've read them--by the way, I liked the one on hormones you just sent), your gentle advice. I have fond memories of that summer in Rome and our visits both in England and in the States since then.

It's our turn to come there, which we'll do as soon as the kiddos would be good international travelers. Until then, thank heavens for the internet.

And for you.

Happy Birthday!