Ah, retirement!

It takes time to adjust, to reflect and grow in new directions. That was four years ago.

Now, I stop and think about everything. Will my SS check arrive on time? Will the website crash? Can I call? With Biden, I never worried. Felt we turned a corner. The noise and chaos subsided.

Then 2024. Now DOGE, tariffs and chaos.

About 10 years ago, we traveled to Europe. You learn everyone has the same day-to-day issues.

In the small Italian city of Pompeii, not the archaeological site, there is a 9/11 monument with American and Italian flags.

I was surprised that in a small southern Italian city we were honored. Are we still honored?

In the Paris subway, I asked directions, saying I spoke no French. In perfect English, with an accent of course, it was answered. Would my question be answered now?

In the small southern French city of Albi, with a group of students from SFU, we attended a rugby game. We attended a pregame meal with club supporters.

When we arrived, they called out, “The Americans are here!” Cheers and applause followed. We were dumbstruck and proud. We ate, took pictures and enjoyed the locals who spoke little English but were overly hospitable. Would that happen today?

This fall we are traveling to Norway. A big trip planned before 2024. Now we are concerned about being welcomed.

Can we expect the same welcome we experienced in the past? When an American was a friend.

Stephen LoRusso

Loretto