It was just a quick trip to check in on MIL, but our 48 hour trip to Yellow Springs (Friday evening to Sunday evening) turned into quite the fun whirl. It helped that MIL seemed so much better than "now in a power wheelchair" seemed to suggest. In fact, I didn't see the wheelchair in action at all, so it was a good weekend.
We got in late on Friday evening and hung out Saturday. Then I had a long lunch with TJA (who lost her mom three years ago and has never recovered, and I fear that might be me). Then after everyone went to bed, there was an urgent invite to come to game night, so it was off to our old neighbors, where EVERYONE was there, and people were lining up to hug us like the prodigal returnees we are. Brunch with the Ms on our way out of town on Sunday, surrounded by all the loveliness of their Pottery. I don't need anything new at this point, but I did grab some stuff for presents.
Now Nu has been returned to their dorm, and I feel something coming over me. Hopefully, it's not something a few strong doses of turmeric tea can't fix. I'd like to say I've been traveling this weekend, not that I've been sick.
Pic: I had to borrow reading glasses to play Catchphrase, and people wanted a picture of me wearing these outsize glasses. I wanted to take a pic with SA, At's beloved 4th grade teacher, so this one is a two-fer.
19 comments:
Nice.
Those glasses are so huge on your face! I love it! I would look similarly. I have a child-like sized face. So when I used to swim, I had to buy children's goggles! I have a hard time finding sunglasses that don't look cartoonish on me!
I'm glad you had some uplifting moments during the weekend. The game night sounded so fun! I love game nights!
Your weekend was a whirlwind! Lots of good stuff and good people, and that's really what's needed, isn't it, when things seem/are dreary and plodding.
Fingers crossed that you aren't ill; no one wants a souvenir like that.
That pottery is so beautiful! I had a good laugh at the glasses, they’ve got a very Elton John vibe to them.
Regarding grief…I’ve been thinking about it, and of course we never recover from great loss. My cousin sent me a podcast by some self help person which is NOT my thing, but perhaps it should be, because the guy said something about what is holding you back is grieving a past version of yourself. I thought about that, that yes, I grieve for the life I once had, when my parents were alive, when I had Mulder, other things. I don’t want to let go of that feeling because it is important to me, and these loved ones are important to me. BUT, what if that grief is keeping me from enjoying life? Keeping me from showering those around me with love? It’s been almost 18 years since my mom died. It’s been 8 1/2 years since my dad died. It’s been almost 3 years since Mulder died. What if I can find a way to cherish my love for them, and for the life we had together, while letting the grief go? I pictured it as a beautiful butterfly that I released. Helpful? Not sure yet, but I’m trying to sort it out. I don’t want to let my love for them go, but I also don’t want my grief to hinder me from enjoying the miracle that is my life.
That does sound fun! I hope you get to keep the memories and not the germs. What Julie said is beautiful - I don't expect to 'recover' from the loss of anyone I love, but I do like the image of the grief staying the same size but your life getting bigger around it.
Those are reading glasses??? I want some like that : )
You will definitely "recover", and by that I mean you'll live an overall happy and meaningful life, while also missing your mom every single day. Hang in there.
Julie, I love this!
Sounds like a fun trip. Hope you can nip the sickness in the bud.
You look so glamorous!! Wow.
-Steph
THose glasses are great and it sounds like a wonderful and sorely needed visit. Grief. It takes time, sometimes a rather long while. But you find the place in your heart where it can live, relatively uninterrupted and surrounded by the good memories. Sometimes it will raise its ugly little head and you cry or mourn but know that it will ease again. You've got this. Just be kind to yourself and know there will be ups and downs and you can get through the downs. Hugs.
Thanks!
I love huge glasses :), and am realizing I love game night. I had to quell the urge to order Catchphrase online right away...
A very welcome respite from regular life and news consumption, Nance.
This is so beautiful, J <3
I think you live a very intentional and lovely life, but this was a valuable lesson.
(I feel fabulous with that Elton John comparison :) )
Waah, I kept some germs too. I like your frame, Allison: "the image of the grief staying the same size but your life getting bigger around it." Like a pearl...
Thanks, Jenny.
Also, you would really be able to carry glasses like that off!
It was unexpectedly more fun than anticipated... always a good thing!
Haha, Steph! Not the word I'd have picked, but now I'm preening! <3
Jeanie--your kindness is an absolute balm to my needy soul. Thank you <3
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