Semper Fortis

"Always Courageous," the unofficial motto for the US Navy, "Semper Fortis", meant for the vast oceans and venturing, the sailors discovered, emphasizing the courage the sailors have while sailing the harsh waters, guiding, and watching so we don't have to. 

The Navy has always, and will always, been an important part of my life. Remembering all the times that tears stained my face before leaving the friends I made and the family I would have. Traveling the world with open eyes.

Back to my roots, where kids run along the side streets of the base and parks are on every corner, near the apartments gazebos standstill, where parents sit and socialize with other navy spouses. Round and round seeing parts of this city I remember as a small child.

(Roundabouts are natural in Napoli). 

Naples Italy is a city I call home. Full of crazy small streets and roundabouts I found the culture and people magnificent. People who care for one another, hold hands with one another and sing with one another. Eating pizza in the streets and sipping an espresso at a sidebar reading a magazine. I did most of my growing up on the military base. Where I learned how to rollerblade, shop for myself, and order taco bell in Italian. 

A couple of months ago I got the news that my mom's best friend Rebecca's husband, Greg, was retiring from the military in March, and I was invited to attend. I was exact to see them again and to be back home. All I could talk about was seeing my home again. Seeing the people, food, and happiness. Though sometimes people judged me for having so much love for a place that wasn't the safest. People would call my home "dangerous," "ugly," and "ghetto." Judging the place before getting a chance to see Mount Vesuvius at sunset. Or getting to see the old castle near a small family-owned shop where you can buy jewelry made from shells. Judging the place I grew up; place where I volunteered at a small orphanage. Seeing the glowing faces of children playing and getting to eat American snacks. No one understood how one person's treasure can be viewed as someone else's trash. 

Buying my train ticket to Naples was easy running down my villa's steps to a taxi was even better. In the cab, I was thinking of all the food I was excited to eat again. All the memories ran straight through my mind. 

After the train, I went down the escalator. The sun was bright and the grass was green, and to my right was mount Vesuvius. It had clouds hovering over almost looking like smoke. Waiting for Rebecca to show up I was in awe of all the beauty and air that was hitting my face. 

I was home. 

In the car, on the way to base, I remembered the car rides I would take with my family. Round and round to get back on base. Listening to those same three CDs, because we weren't too fond of anything on the radio. We drove past the lodge we stayed at when I was younger and the parks I would play at as a kid. Nothing had changed. In Rebecca's apartment, there was rental furniture I remember having just before we left. 

 Sidewalks by the school reminded me of rollerblading with my little sister making songs and new friends. Parks is where I spent most of my days, playing with kids and swinging on swings. Memories like these are important because they bring my childhood back to life. 

Making our way into town we passed areas I was familiar with and every which way we passed mount Vesuvius was staring at me, welcoming me home. At a restaurant, we sat and ordered pizza and starters. Food I had dreamed of and food that tasted just like my childhood. Everything was just like I remembered it but better. After dinner, we went for a little walk around the area in the city seeing the old buildings and children running with gelato. After our quick walk, we went to a cafe and grabbed desserts and coffee. It was nice being surrounded by people with good vibes reminding me how much alike they are to my parents. It was like getting squeezed tight; warm and comforting. 

The next day was the day of the retirement. We were to be dressed and ready for the retirement party by 12:45. I was ready and so were the guys, but Rebecca and her daughter Natalie were not. I could hear the running of heels on the tile floors and the laughter of the two because they still weren't ready. Being back with a family was all the comfort I needed for the last two months I had left in Italy. 

I was nervous about the retirement because I was not sure what to expect. Walking into the church I had flashes of memories reminding me of all the time I spent in the church with my family and with my sister. You see my family and I are not very religious but my mother always allowed me to explore. At the age of about 8, I was curious about church and wanted to attend the Easter ceremony. I remember walking in with my family and sitting with our other friends that also attend. Being a young child I was bored right away and my parents looked at my face and smiled. I think they were proud of my curiosity. My memories with my sister go back to the summer days when the sun was boiling and the air was moist. My sister and I would attend the Bible camp every year because children would play games and (being the foodies our dad raised us to be...thank dad) enjoy the free food. (Every Friday was bowling alley pizza day)

We took our seats and waited for the ceremony to start. The whole time I felt the appreciation and love from all the people. Watching the retirement made me recognize the importance and duty that each person has in the military an appreciation and understanding I knew well because I was a military kid. I saw everything the way it was..always. The long nights and long days when my dad would get back tired and exhausted but still determined to make a meal and play with his kids. 

Being an adult I have witnessed new places, new people, and new foods, but there is something about returning home that makes you feel like a little kid again. I will remain with the words Semper Fortis because it's always important to remain courageous and witness the courage of others.