what a hike

Look at this blue water.  I haven't seen water this color since taking a boat to Catalina Island in 1986.

That day we drove with the kids down country roads, past old houses and fields with a lone horse that looked at me.  We parked our car and put on sunscreen and hats.  We walked way way way up a paved road for at least twenty minutes until we came to an unbelievable vista.  At the top of the mountain there was a fence with lots of padlocks attached to it, locked onto it for eternity.  On the padlocks couples had written their initials, a sign of their commitment to one another.

mothers

So many of the photos I have of my mom include my children.

She was there helping me each time a new baby came into our family.
My kids adore her.  She is fun, creative, thoughtful, considerate, generous, classy, funny, a superb cook, and always has a warm smile to greet us when we visit.  Gary wants to add that she is also great to be on vacation with!  As an adult I really enjoy time with my mom. We have so much fun shopping, going out to lunch, talking walks, and of course, talking.

I still can remember the time I came home in tears over problems with peers, and she rocked me in the rocking chair and hugged me, even though I was twelve, my knobby kneed legs dangling.  There is nothing like a mother.

We live far away and so we have to make the most of visits.  I hope someday to be able to live closer to my parents.

My kids tell me that I'm a great mom.  I tell them I learned from the best.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Love you.

corner view~good memories

The year is 2006.  We are gathered in a small rural town in Pennsylvania for my maternal grandmother's 100th birthday.  My parents and siblings are there with most of their families.  My aunt, uncle, and cousins have come as well as another aunt and uncle from my father's side of the family.  We are six months early from Christmas day, when Grandma actually turns 100.  But this is the time when most of the family, who are spread out all over the country, can gather.  My grandmother has never been demanding and this time is no different.  She is so happy to see us all.    

We are in the nursing home where she lives, in a large room that my mother has reserved for the occasion.  It is by no means fancy, but that matters little to the people gathered there.  They are there to honor and love my grandmother, who was the epitome of grace.  Much like my mother, whose name means grace, by the way.

The above photo was a moment I captured on film that day when my oldest child made my brother laugh  -- two first borns making a connection through humor.  I don't know what she said, but he liked it.

On that day there was food and music and stories were told.  There were lots of hugs and kisses and laughter.  Photos were taken.  Gifts were given.  Friends came.  We stayed the day.  My grandmother's photo was in the local newspaper soon thereafter, a picture with then baby Shawn reaching up to her.   The photograph accompanied a very nice story about Grandma and her life's accomplishments. After all, not too many people live to be 100, and she was a long time beloved teacher in this small town.

Grandma died after she turned 100, about a year after the party to celebrate her life. My brother, pictured above, is a doctor.  He had told her years before, when she was in her eighties, "Grandma you're so healthy you'll live to be a hundred!" She believed him.

She was such a great lady.  She encouraged us and welcomed us at every visit, and supported my parents in every way.  She was always helping her friends and neighbors.  She loved to crochet and made most of the gifts she gave to us. She was gentle and kind, but a little stern.  We were expected to behave around her, but we did, we loved her so.  

Now there are even more great grandchildren in the family than there were in 2006. This summer many of us will reunite.  I am excited.  I miss my family. Thank goodness for good memories!

        Grandma with my mom and uncle