Aer Lingus delivered the first gift of Christmas tonight.

Michael returned from his semester abroad in Rome.

We had very little time with Michael this summer. He spent most of it in Bangladesh visiting the Holy Cross missions. He is the junior captain spearheading fundraising for the Bengal Bouts boxing competition. The funds raised from this event support the ongoing work of the Holy Cross fathers and brothers in that country. He returned home briefly before spending the rest of the summer working on campus and living with my sister and brother-in-law.

Then he was off to Rome.

In short order he found St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum

And the beach. He actually found many beaches. I trust he also found the inside of a classroom.

Any time the kids are airborne, I diligently track their flights. I followed him all the way from Dublin on the second leg of his trip.

The house was abuzz with excitement for his arrival. We all felt a little like this.

It’s a fabulous start to the Christmas season!