As we pulled up to the Hotel Posta I knew they were close by. I could feel it. I looked down the cobbled street and Cheryl looked back and caught my eye. “They’re not far,” she smiled. “Just down here, make a left at the Piazza and straight on and you’re there.” My heart beat faster. We headed into the lobby to check in and unpack. I was savoring these moments, knowing what was coming. Knowing was enough for the time being.

The picture of the Lions in the Piazza of San Prospero has been my Facebook cover photo for this year. To me they somehow embody the spirit of my journey as a Reggio-inspired teacher. It is a journey of hope and struggle. A journey of overcoming my weaknesses and learning – always learning. But more than anything my work as an educator is a journey of great hope and joy! And this was the day I was going to touch those lions and see them with my own eyes.

We met back in the lobby shortly thereafter and headed out to explore the city of Reggio Emilia. Left out of the lobby doors, then on through the first Piazza.  I looked back, scanning the group for Suzanne. “I’m right here,” she said, taking my arm. She’d been right beside me all along. I squeezed her arm and we walked on together. There are moments in life that are turning points. Getting to Reggio was definitely top of the bucket list for Suzanne and I both. She and I share a strong bond. We look at each other and just “know” things. We click. Suzanne is strong, beautiful, passionate and BOLD – I am so proud to call her my friend.

I first met Suzanne at the Hundred Languages of Children exhibit in Newark, Ohio a few years ago. We had both attended a key note address given by Lella Gandini. Lella had inspired both of us greatly and as she ended her presentation, I moved down the steps of the auditorium to get an autograph with many others. It had been a long trip and I was tired. To meet Lella was to meet my hero in every sense of the word and to my embarrassment, the closer I got to her the harder it was to fight the sting of tears in my eyes. I didn’t want to make this lovely woman feel uncomfortable and I certainly felt like a fool.

I looked away, trying to pull myself together and looked right into the eyes of a tall, beautiful lady who also had tears in her eyes. Our eyes met and we burst out laughing! She hugged me and we blew our noses and stood with Lella for a photograph. Don’t think I’m going to share that one because I look like death warmed over. But after that, Suzanne and I talked for some time and found that we were companions on the same journey. Kindred spirits!

As we passed through the streets, Suzanne and I seemed to have made our way to the front of the group, walking  quickly. We rounded a corner and there they were…the lions! Arm in arm, we broke into a run. Together we made it across the square and I reached out to grasp a large stone paw. It was our victory celebration. It was our moment. I will hold that moment in my heart for as long as I live.