Seattle

We took a very quick trip up to Seattle on Friday.  It was not the trip we were expecting but we tried to make the most of the time that we had there.

Phil and I celebrated our 16th anniversary on Friday.  We spent the day in the car, the evening separated, and the night consumed in extended family drama.  In terms of actual time to enjoy and celebrate our marriage, it pretty much stunk.  However, in terms of living real life together, I couldn't be more blessed in my marriage and that the Lord gifted me with this man as my husband.  That he is there by my side loving me in all situations and I am not sure I could understand Christ's love for me until He painted me this picture of unconditional love through my husband.  

We went up for one main reason:  I was going to spend the day with my Aunt and Mom helping with some practical aspects of some major family "events" (Gram's move to memory care and my Uncle Bob's death), being there together with one another during this emotional grieving time, and spending time with Gram.  I have yet to be included in any family function regarding Gram's various moves so this time was so very important to me that Phil and I blew off our anniversary plans and spent 6 1/2 hours in the car fighting traffic for this day, this special day together.  Well, that didn't work out at all and I will spare you the details.

Instead, we made the most of Plan B.  I went with Phil who had planned an afternoon with his Mom and Cliff.  We went to lunch and watched the Blue Angels take off and land at Boeing field.  We then made a quick trip up to visit Gram before the drive back home.  

My Uncle Bob passed away last week.  It was sudden and unexpected.  Here is a picture of the last time the extended family was together in its entirety..minus Gramps who died several years earlier and baby Russell who hadn't arrived in the family yet.


 The Blue Angels at Boeing Field




West Seattle, with beautiful views of downtown.  

Shipping yard

Alki Beach

I remember standing here admiring this view as a college student.  I had a picture or a postcard that I brought with me when I went to school in Kenya 20 years ago.  It was taped to the wall next to my bunk to remind me of "home".  This was home to me for a good many years.  I was thinking how glad I am that home is where I am...and where I am is with Phil and my children.  No matter what is going on in my life (and right now, it is a lot), I am so thankful that Phil and my children are my family.  I have learned what love is and about the love of Jesus through my marriage and through my relationship with my children and I am so very thankful that Lord has given me this precious gift. 



 Gram was moved to a memory care facility about two weeks ago.  It was a difficult move for her and it was difficult to see her in this place.  I was so glad to see her room, set up and comfortable with art covering the walls.  I understand and appreciate art so much and color and texture speak to me so strongly that it brought me joy in the midst of this place and her situation, to know that her eyes could wander around these four small walls and see color and beauty.  

We caught her right before the dinner hour so we didn't have much time but the children were able to give her the cards they had made for her (along with a "sculpture" Evi made and crochet hot pads/coasters Jubilee made) and she was full of hugs and kisses and smiles for her great-grandchildren and it warmed my heart to see her so engaged with them.


Lineage, heritage...Grandmother and Granddaughter  

I want to remember this hug forever.


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