I know I started this as a vacation blog, filled with pretty pictures and charming little anecdotes about Bambino.  I’ve been toying around with continuing the blog as a virtual diary of our lives.  Somehow, writing helps me appreciate the beauty around me.  And, living in Michigan, there is a lot of  beauty to enjoy.  A day at my local farmers’ market is as rich and charming as the ones in Italy, and I should cherish that.  Honestly, if this blog continues as an unread mental health exercise, I’m fine with that.

But, this week needs processing.  And, there are a lot of folks who are legitimately concerned about the goings on in la vita Ebrom right now.  So, this post is not about pretty pictures, either in Italy or Michigan.  It’s about someone I love dearly and heart disease.

My Dad is one of the coolest, funniest, most thoughtful people I know.  He’s an amazing photographer, who has inspired me to shoot.  His taste in music is better than mine.  He is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and generally a bad ass.  I am lucky to be married to someone who is almost as cool as my Dad.  He also carries a  very serious family history of coronary artery disease.  And, he is recovering from heart surgery as I write.

It all happened suddenly, and my Dad made the smart (and brave) decision to seek immediate care.  So, the doctors caught what could have been a catastrophic problem before it was…  catastrophic.  It has been a rough and scary week.  Matt’s been out of the country, due to work.  I was overwhelmed with work, family, and the fear that I’d lose one of my favorite people.

I am NOT going to lose one of my favorite people.  He went through surgery like a pro.  (Of course, he did– I already told you he was a badass.)  Recovery will be tough, but my family is meaner and more resilient than an arterial occlusion.  We (the beautiful, collective “We” of my crazy, devoted, and very extended  family) will beat this.  Even though there were times when I felt very alone in this, I never was.  Thank you to everyone who has (and continues) to help with their support, kindness, and patience.

On the drive back from the hospital, I was trying to find something that would boost my spirits.  I was exhausted– both emotionally and physically.  The sun was shining, my Dad was doing incredibly well, Matt was finally home, but I was spent.  I needed an uplift.

I turned on Spotify, searching for the right song.  To me, music is an integral part of what my Dad is.  From rock concerts, to impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, there is always music on at home.  Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” had the right message and was sunshiny– but too saccharine.  Kanye’s “Stronger” was great, but not my Dad.  I randomly put on a rock playlist.  ZZ Top started blaring out my speakers.  It was gritty, happy, and pure Dad.

Love you.