Venice Snippet #1

Drawing by Ashton Riley

 

How Giuseppe Came to Ireland

     …“Lady Rhiannon accompanied Giuseppe into the dining hall, where he was given a grand welcome by the Laird.  Lady Rhiannon wove her arm through Giuseppe’s and beckoned him to take a seat at the table on her right side. (This was a seat of honor for a gentleman guest.  It was customary for the Lady to take a seat to the right of the Laird.)  Antonio sat across the table from Giuseppe, and it made him feel comfortable to see a friendly face.

     “The Laird and Lady were very kind and understanding about Giuseppe’s circumstances.  They wanted to know all about his life.  For the first time since his wife’s death, Giuseppe was able to talk about his beloved wife Ester, and their beautiful life together.  It was a great relief for Giuseppe to unburden his heart by talking to this noble couple.  It made him feel safe, as if he were with his own family who had passed away long ago.  Giuseppe was now alone in the world, and he shared his only regret with the couple and Antonio.  He and Ester had always wanted a child, but the miracle never happened for them.  So he designed toys for children, and he and Ester delighted in seeing the joy in all those who visited his workshop to buy his creations.  His toy making allowed them to love every child who came through their door.

         “Rhiannon and her husband Angus gave each other a knowing look and then they made Giuseppe the proposal of a lifetime.  It was a solution for Giuseppe’s greatest wish to come true!

       “Rhiannon explained that she had given birth only the month before to a funny looking babe who was small, wrinkled, and red.  She went on to say that not every child was born a druid, and that it had been eons since the legendary Lugh of the Longhand had ruled over the Celtic people.  She, Rhiannon, was a direct descendant to the Great Queen who was the goddess of horses, and their protector.  It had been foretold that a druid child would be born in her generation.  It would take time to be certain if their child was The Druid Child who was foretold, and for this reason they could not name him until more signs would prove whether it was truly him.

       “It was their custom to foster children to other clans when their children reached the age of four.  When they grew to be thirteen years of age they would return to their birth families.  If Giuseppe would be willing to foster their son, they would send their child to him in Florence once he reached the appropriate age.  Giuseppe would be allowed to give the child an Italian name.  When the child returned to Ireland, he would learn his name and be given his birthright.

      “Giuseppe was thrilled with this idea and his appetite suddenly returned to him.  He ate with gusto, and was anxious to see the sleeping infant after they had finished their dinner.

        “When dinner was done Antonio said farewell, and he was on his way to his own destiny.  The Laird and Lady led Giuseppe to the baby’s crib.  Giuseppe fell in love with the small bundle at first sight.  Yes, he was small, wrinkled, and red.  He was the most beautiful baby Giuseppe had ever seen!  He could hardly wait until he was his, and could hold him in his arms whenever he wanted.  He was overjoyed to see his future son, and to finally be the father he had always dreamed of becoming.  He tossed and turned all through the night, imagining what the child would look like when he would be four years old.  Antonio, Cristoforo, Domenico, Ferdinando, Francesco, Jacopo, Lorenzo, Michele, Salvatore… Giuseppe thought of every name possible, but could not settle on a single one.  He thought how happy Ester would have been to have had a son.  On and on, the thoughts soared through his mind until dawn’s first light…