Happy Sunday, Journeyer!

This week I’ve been a bit quieter than normal on all of my social media outlets, but I can honestly say it was for a great cause.

One of my younger cousins got hitched on Friday and Warren and I came out last week to vacation and help my aunt and uncle with the preparations.

Though there was much more work, planning, and preparation to do than I ever imagined, I am so happy that we had the time, energy, and the skills to help get the job done.

Pulling off a self-planned and self-catered wedding for several hundred people is both exhausting and totally rewarding.

But the best part of it all?

Spending time with my immediate family who also made the long trip, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven’t seen since I was a teenager.

Warren and I were on the way to my grandfather’s funeral when my car broke down in the middle of the night.

Young and naive, we’d figured we could drive all night and arrive a few hours before the service. We’d even planned for delays and were already dressed for the ceremony.

Never did we anticipate for a timing belt to go in my otherwise dependable Buick.

We were away at one of Fave’s competitions when my grandmother died after an unexpected and quick illness, so I was unable to join our family at that event.

So this trip was a delightful blend of love, unity, and extended family coming together to catch up, collaborate on making this union happen, and celebrating. Together.

And as you know, when you combine so many different family styles and beliefs and behaviors, life can be a little interesting.

But love and laughter and a light-hearted approach always make things run as smoothly as possible.

I am so grateful that we are afforded those qualities.

I am so happy that Warren and I had the resources to make the trip.

I am happy for my relatives’ four furry friends; the young Tigger-like bouncer who greeted us with gusto, and the elderly dogs who stammered to their feet every morning to greet us with wagging tails and a nose nudge to our hands.

I’m happy for the campfire pit where three generations gathered to reminisce and to create new memories…

…for the company who is bringing back the Jiffy Pop popcorn we cooked over the open pit…

…and for the food, camaraderie to be had at the twentieth annual pig-pickin’ that was found at my aunt’s brother’s home.

While there, I met a thirty-one year old man who told us all about “his restaurant,” a not-for-profit establishment whose owners only employee people like him, those with special needs.

I’m happy for the exquisite views that existed all around us in the gardens, the bay, and from atop the mountains…

…the sunsets and the stars that set my heart and hopes and happiness afire…

…the current owner of my maternal grandparent’s homestead, who granted us permission to mosey around the old farm…

For as much as things have changed, so much has stayed the same, Journeyer.

The big red barn where I first heard Grandpa call his old Ford, Bessie, still stands strong. It was his love and appreciation for his truck that led me to name every vehicle I’ve ever owned.

All of our minivans? We called them Bessie.

Everywhere I turned this week I saw the convergence of Something Old’s and the Something New’s.

The clothesline pole and the holly bush we used to collide with if we lost control of our sleds coming down the snow covered hill at my grandparents’ home has been replaced with other types of shrubbery.

The vegetable garden hillside behind the house is now a natural wood and wildlife plot.

Goats now roam the fields and fill the barns that once house milk cows.

My paternal grandparents’ home is much the same, and coincidentally occupied by the groom’s brother, which means my cousin will likely make many, many trips down memory lane.

The bride’s card box was an old trunk that belonged to her maternal grandfather. The letter blocks that spelled out “Cards” were of modern day art.

And so my week ends, Journeyer, and a new one begins…

Happy…at the intersection of Something Old and Something New…

What about you, Journeyer?

What moment(s) brought a smile to your face or peace to your heart this week? We want to share in your joy. Share something in a comment below?

Until we meet again, yours in hope, healing, and happiness,

 

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