Return to Naples

On November 19, Mary Ellen and I flew down to Naples for a small escape from the pain and sadness of the past month. We hoped the sun, warm weather and sweet memories would give us some comfort and relief from the loss of Mike. However, reality follows wherever you go. As I was watching "The Sopranos" on A&E yesterday, Tony made a sobering remark, and it rings true: "There is no geographical solution to an emotional problem."
Bingo.
I was hoping going to one of Mike's "happy places" would bring me some peace. Yes, there were some moments that brought a smile to my face, and knowing how much Mike loved Naples made going there again all the more meaningful. However, knowing how much Mike loved Naples made going there all the more painful. I had never been to Florida before meeting Mike. He introduced me to Disney. He introduced me to Naples. He introduced me to warm, sunny beaches in the middle of February. The family house in Naples was where Mike lived when we first "met" over the computer. It's where we spent our honeymoon. We had our last vacation there only seven months before this trip. The void oftentimes was too much to bear. Mary tried to make every moment there special, and did her best to make sure I relaxed and enjoyed the few days we had there. But as all of us have found in recent months, Mike has left a void that nobody and no vacation can fill. Mike and Naples are forever intertwined in my heart and mind. Going there without him feels unnatural. I thought visiting our old haunts and favorite spots would make him feel closer, but often it only made him feel further away.
I don't regret my trip. I know there are lots of "firsts" I have to face without Mike, and this was one of the big ones. But I realized nothing will ever be what it was without Mike. He made everything wonderful and special. If nothing else, I am so grateful to Mike for sharing with me all the wonderful places he loved, and for getting me to love them just as much.

I never saw dolphins at the beach in Naples until this trip. Maybe Mike sent them to say "hello" to me

Of course, we had to make a trip to Michelbob's for some BBQ



I had ribs in honor of Mike

What would a trip to Naples be without sunset cocktails at The Ritz?




Looks like Mike sent some stingrays, too. Lots of them....



A rainy sunset at the Naples Beach Club. Kind of fitting





An interesting ray of sunshine from the heavens



This is the school track near the house and Mike used to walk it when he lived in Naples. Before he moved back to Massachusetts, and when we were just "e-buddies," he often told me of his workouts on the track earlier in the day


This was our favorite breakfast place. We went there on every trip to Naples. Believe it or not, this was one of the most painful places to visit during this trip. Mike loved breakfast so much, and being there brought up so many memories of past meals. I knew exactly what he would order and could just envision him there enjoying his bacon and coffee. Just days before we left Naples last April, Mike went here for breakfast with his Uncle Bill and friend Pete, where they laughed and talked about old times. I am so grateful they had that "guy time" together, never knowing it would be their last in this lifetime

We also visited with Uncle George (on his birthday)