Life Imitating Art?

Oscar Wilde, the 19th-century Irish author once wrote, "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Now I'm no philosopher, but to me this is one of those, which-comes-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg type concepts. Either way, over the past few months, as I've enjoyed one of my guilty pleasures--watching DVDs snuggled up in my bed--I've seen how this art/life concept relates to my own existence.

A few weeks ago I watched the movie Meet Joe Black. Early on in the movie, the character William Parrish, brilliantly played by Anthony Hopkins, offers advice to his daughter that struck me with such force--such truth--because at 46 years old, I finally know of what he speaks.

Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I'm not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived.

Paco's return to my life after 28 years has brought with it so many incredible things, but one thing forefront in my mind and heart is a love like none I've ever known--a connection to another human being like nothing I've ever experienced. Okay, I know what you're thinking... You've only been married for a year. True, but I first fell in love with Paco when I was 17 years old. (You can read that story HERE.) We've both lived many years of this life with its ups and downs, and realize the true blessing of this profound and renewed love that we share. What can I say? It feels like we've discovered a buried treasure, and now after so many years, it's resurfaced, refined, and more valuable than ever!

Another "Life Imitating Art" movie I recently watched was Letters to Juliet--definitely on my "favorite movies" list. There were so many similarities I found in this movie to my own life. One part in particular hit so close to home it had me totally, and completely in tears, sobbing like I haven't since the night I was forced to say goodbye to my husband at the Lima airport over a year ago (read THAT story HERE). When Claire, played by Vanessa Redgrave, is finally reunited in the vineyard with her first love, Lorenzo Bartolini, played by Franco Nero, after a 50 year separation, I was completely washed over by a huge wave of emotions--from regret for not writing back to Paco all those years ago after receiving his letter, to gratitude that it only took 28 years for us to reunite, rather than 50, like the couple in the movie. If I wasn't living my own slightly varied version of this story, I'd say, "Only in the movies..."

Just this afternoon Paco posted a comment on one of my Facebook profile pictures. This black and white photo was published in my college yearbook when I was 18, one year after I left Peru the first time. Paco wrote: That's exactly how I met you......JUST BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!...Now I know why I couldn't forget you.....

My reply: You're so sweet!!! And now I know why I couldn't forget you either!

A mutual friend posted a comment after mine--a comment that Paco and I hear all the time when we share our story with others: Awww....your romance is sweet. I love your love story. (I see a book about this in the future.)

Life imitating art? Art imitating life?

Who knows? But if it's ever a book, you better believe that I'll be the one who wrote it! :)

Oh, and only 24 days till Paco's immigration interview!!!!

Stay tuned...

An Incredible Dad

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband? I love him from the top of his dark (and slightly graying), curly locks, to the tips of his cowboy "boats" (inside joke--read HERE for further insight). I love how he calls me Sweetie, Gringa, and Honey, and how he makes me feel like the most beautiful and intelligent woman on this planet. There are a million-and-one reasons why I love this man so much, but up there near the top of the list is one of the fore-front reasons: he's an incredible dad.

Paco has been a single father raising his two daughters alone for seven years now. He's been mom and dad combined and has done a fantastic job. The love these girls have for their papi is so evident, and sweet to witness...and it comes as no surprise if you know the heart of this man as I do.

There are so many things that warm my heart as I watch my husband interact with his girls--the hugs, kisses, encouraging words, playful banter... Paco jokes that his youngest, Maki, is like his tail. Whenever he looks over his shoulder, there she is, following his every move. And then there's beautiful, Mafe, who (ready-or-not, Dad) is at the eve of her teenage years. Recently she changed her Facebook status from "Single" to "In a Relationship." It didn't take Paco long to chime in on this matter. Dad swiftly (yet lovingly) informed his young daughter that the only relationship she had at the moment involved algebra and science. Mafe's status returned to "Single" that night.

This past Saturday confirmed why I love this man so much. Paco spent the entire afternoon with his girls at The Barbie Store in Lima (who knew such an establishment even existed?!) Most men wouldn't be caught dead within fifty feet of this pink paradise for little girls. And yet, there was my husband, documenting the entire outing with pictures. His youngest, Maki, received a new hairdo, while Mafe got a manicure--just another Saturday on the town with the Toreros!

I'm so thankful that this incredible man found his way back into my life and heart after 28 years apart. During the summer of '81 when we were still teenagers, I saw so many wonderful qualities in Paco Torero, but never imagined what an awesome father he would someday be. I'm so proud to call him my husband. He's everything I could ever want in a life's partner, and then some.

Now for some GREAT NEWS!!! Paco's immigration interview has been scheduled for October 18th! Within a few days of the interview, he should have their visas and by early November they should be here! To say that the past year has been long and difficult is an understatement. We'd like to thank all of our friends and family who have offered prayers and support during this ordeal. We feel truly blessed to be associated with such wonderful people.

Stay tuned for more...