April 8, 2018

We woke up in Athen’s Greece, which was amazing enough. But today is Greek Easter, the holiest and most important day on the Greek religious calendar.  It is also the first time in 36 years that Jack will be visiting the town of Argyroupolis and the home of dear friends, Norm and Maritta Corley.  Norm was in the Air Force with Jack and after he married Maritta (who is from Athens) decided to stay and live his life in this beautiful country.

Since Greek Easter is a national holiday, it was difficult finding a taxi to take us outside of the city.  We spoke with a few taxi drivers who were not very friendly about taking the drive.  But finally we came across an older man who was very pleasant and agreed to take us to our Easter celebration.  We found out his name was Loukas.  He didn’t speak much English but Jack spoke enough Greek to communicate.  We soon realized that even though he was an Athens taxi driver, directions weren’t his strong suit.  We frantically opened the GPS services on our cell phones trying to find the right way to go, while Loukas continued to stop and ask for directions, which no one actually had.  After a few minutes, we had the proper directions on the GPS, and found our way to Norm and Maritta’s house.  Loucas volunteered to return later in the day and pick us up for the trip back to the hotel.  We agreed on 6:45 that evening.

The street had drastically changed since 1982, but the house remained the same.  We could hear the music and conversations coming from the backyard and we found our way there.  When we turned the corner, Maritta saw Jack and came running and screaming.  Big hugs and kisses lasted for minutes.  She was definitely happy to see him.  We were introduced to brothers, wives, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.  But Norm wasn’t there.  We knew he’s been ill and found out that he couldn’t navigate the stairs to come down to the celebration.  So we went up.  We found Norm sitting in an easy chair in front of the television and that’s apparently where he spends all of his time.  His bones are so brittle that if he moves, they break.  So, he tries not to move.  Greek socialized medicine has taken its toll on him.  Jack spent most of the day upstairs with Norm, talking about the “old days” and discussing what options he might have for the future.

The food, as usual, was amazing.  A lamb on the spit, salads, vegetables, and something that is very special during the Easter season, kokoretsi.  Kokoretsi is a delicacy that is made from the innards of the lamb; the lungs, liver,  pancreas, kidneys…just about anything available after they gut the lamb for cooking.  Then, these meats are wrapped in the intestines of the lamb and cooked over an open fire.  Jack was ecstatic at the prospect of eating his fill in kokoretsi and he certainly did.

The day flew by and 6:45 arrived sooner than anticipated.  We said our goodbyes to everyone and thanked them for allowing us to be a part of such a special day.  It was difficult to say goodbye knowing what Norm is going through and how Maritta is taking care of him alone.  Life can be beautiful and cruel at the same time.  Happy Greek Easter.

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