A Trip Home

The parents have been asking me to come for a visit for the last several months in order to get away from the chaos of life up north. I have been reluctant to leave my own home abode but this weekend was Mom's retirement party and today is Father's Day, so I loaded up the car, scooped up Granny from her home, and headed South to the coast. And in a lot of ways its been refreshing and healing to be here. 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

The first night we were joined by my brother about 5pm and so we headed out to dinner to my favorite restaurant. With all that's going on and with potential summer trips, the irony is that this was my fortune:

I also had THE.MOST.AMAZING sushi roll--avocado & cream cheese was A.MA.ZING!

I'd gotten a run in prior to dinner and the rest of the night was spent wrapped up in sweats, the Mariners baseball game on TV, stacks of home decor magazines, and laughter with the fam.

SATURDAY

Somehow on Saturday we were blessed with an abundance of sunshine which led to about 80 degrees. I was able to grab a late breakfast with one of my favorite gals from high school and then I headed to the small, local co-op to pick up a new recyclable toothbrush. I was really hoping to head to a patio somewhere for sunshine and vino...and then it dawned on me that I could do that here at my parents place. Before too long Granny was out in a separate rocker to join me and even the parent's indoor cat, Squeaks, took a few exploratory trips around the patio. Two wooden rockers, a glass of vino, and good company later....it was a beautiful afternoon. 

My sister and two of my nephews showed up about 3pm and then we all headed for the beach. It was overcast but incredibly warm for the southern Oregon coast. The nephews headed straight into the water and Granny wanted to follow suit!

We headed back to change and get ready for Mom's retirement party:

It was incredibly rewarding listening to Mom's coworkers show their appreciation, joy, and respect for this woman. She has blessed and touched the lives of many through her years of working as a SLP. Many in the crowd wore crazy hats and funny painted fingernails to embrace Mom's quirkiness. And the speeches from several reminded me of how blessed I've been to have phenomenal role models in my life. For years, Mom has continuously provided for those on her caseload and for her coworkers who were in need, especially around the holidays. She's prayed for and with so many. It was so evident how much her caring and giving nature will be missed by all those that she continuously touched on a daily basis.

After Mom's party, I headed over to Tall D's "family" where I loved on the adorable baby and caught up with some other incredibly strong and phenomenal women. It was great to spend a few more hours in laughter and sharing, recognizing how fortunate I've been to have the opportunity to get to know these incredible individuals.

SUNDAY

Today's Father's Day and Dad got up to provide us all with a pancake breakfast. Throughout the last several months, Dad and I have been blessed to have some great conversations and this incredible man has consistently shared how much it means to him to be able to "serve" and provide for others. His greatest satisfaction comes from attempting to give more to others than he receives...and to attempt to walk the talk that Jesus instructed us to live. This trip has reminded me how fortunate I've been to have these many significant role models in my life: Dad, Mom, Granny. (Although I've also been reminded that many of my traits I've gotten from those three as well.)

Sis, her kiddos, and Bro are all headed out and the rest of us are headed to church. This evening I'll grab drinks with my gal from high school again. Tomorrow I'll pick up my painting in the morning and then Granny and I will head back up North. Tall D moved the rest of his stuff out this weekend and there's much to get situated in the house....plus I've got to finish prepping one class and apply to that out-of-my-league job! Much to do, much to do....I've got big plans for the house this summer!