Grandpa

We finally arrived in Roma on Tuesday morning around 11 a.m. We took a bus from Sorrento to Rome which was an easy way to go and very relaxing. I do have sad news, though, because when we arrived at our hotel on Tuesday morning, the lady behind the desk was trying to tell me something, but she did not speak any english. I thought she was telling me that she was sorry that we could not make it the night before, but we had to pay for it anyway or something. But instead she handed me a piece of paper which was an urgent message from home. My Grandpa Maitland passed away on Monday night. It was very sad to hear. I thought it was kind of ironic that this was the first day since being in Italy that I decided to wear all black, and then we planned to visit St. Peters later and ended up being there during mass.

It was a hectic day visiting the Vatacan and then the basillica, but it was nice to be there during a mass, and it was very nice that we were able to attend. We were able to sit and pray, which made me feel better. I will not be able to attend the funeral, which is very upsetting to me. Also, I'm not sure it really feels totally real yet, since I am away from home. Every once in a while I forget about it, then find myself remembering and thinking that it is so strange that he is no longer here. Anyway, please pray for my family. I know he is in a better place now and it is good because he was really suffering, i guess, the last few days especially. Anyway, we do not have much time now. Later on today, we plan on making it to another internet spot and updating you about Rome and our crazy experience getting to Montepulciano.