JOURNEY'S END

Awesome home Stephen!

There are times in life that happiness becomes a joy that cannot be expressed in words. 

We were delighted with Stephen's and Shawna's home. Sandra and Shawna had done so much work decorating and give it a festive party atmosphere it was amazing.  They had also worked on plastering and painting and fixing up the basement which included having a bathroon put in. 

Stephen was so pleased to have us visit and we were thrilled to be there.  Starting out on our drive had taken a little faith on my part not knowing just how we would stand up to the drive.  Dad really enjoyed the challenge and did a wonderful job.

We were happy to be there to visit all the family in Edmonton and see Shandel and Cameron so happy.

Sandra's sore ankle was swelling up and Shawna's mom was playing nurse and putting ice on it.  She was soon up again helping loading up the table with delicious food.  The roast she had put in the barbecue turned out delicous along with all the salads hamburgers and hot dogs!

It is truly a blessing to see how our children and grandchildren have mature into caring and loving adults.

Shawna and her best friend finally get time to sit down and eat.  They had worked so hard to make everything perfectlt lovely. 

Michael John and Mary came to join the party and it was so good to see them again.  We miss our family in Edmonton and miss hearing all about what they are doing.  These too have been working hard getting education and new skills in the field of child care and nursing.

The party expanded as the young people who had driven in the van arrived and I was releaved to see them.  They had been up early for the long drive.

We were joined by Rick and also Sandel's family.

There is a story behind the shirt that Rick is wearing.

Stephen and his best buddy!
Since we got home we have been inspired to do some painting, dad does the painting and I have been washing walls etc.  We have been going to do this for a long time.  We were very busy yesterday and will continue today.

NORMAL

Driving through a world of beauty for me is a spiritual experience.  Breath taking views of mountains and rushing streams and giant trees seem to transform and lift the soul out of the normal everyday work of life.

Too soon I will be back home unpacking, washing, and cleaning and shopping and carrying groceries home from the store.  But there is a time just to enjoy the beauty of nature and to surrender to the spirit that lives deep within us.

I was hoping to see some animals but had only a glimpse of a deer thinking of crossing the road but bounding back into the trees.  Dad and I are happy as we travel on towards our goal of Jaspher.  We go to our usual motel but this time we are on the third floor and climbing up there with our cases seemed to me like climbing a mountain.  I was completely out of breath at the top.  Hunger would force me to descend to enjoy a walk around the town, the warm summer air, and a meal on top of the roof at the pizza place.

It has been another awe inspiring day.

DULL

It was a very dull and dreary day yesterday.  I think dad and I were feeling dull inside, although I had my walk and dad rode his bike with his weights on his feet.  I am already feeling weak legs on my walks just for missing a week.

Every sunny day now will be a gift from heaven.

Sandra will be having a tough day today as she goes to get her teeth implants.  If you read this say a little prayer for her.

It is hard to believe that just a week ago we woke up to a sunny warm day in Kamloops walking over to the near by restaurant for breakfast.  We packed the car feeling good and excited the closer we were getting to Edmonton.

We stopped at an antique store at Barrier.

Dad was delighted with this fellow but thankfully the car was too full he wouldn't fit in.

The original store had burnt down in the terrible fire there years earlier.

We stopped to read about the fire and look at the pictures of the burnt out town.  I cannot imagine how hopeless people must have felt losing their homes and all the treasures of a life-time.  There would be feelings of anger and pain as the knowledge of a dropped cigarette but cause the fire to start.  This only adds to the despair and fear about the future.  People helped support one another so that they did not feel so alone in their doubts and fears.

Old dreams need to be replaced by new ones as the life around us and the health within us changes.

We all face challenges in life, some harder than others.  I am trusting today and everyday in the unseen reality I feel is God.  I know that when I feel down reaching out to listen and care about others seems to lift my spirits and help me regain the assurance that even as I grow older that my life has meaning,

It is so much easier when we can be active and achieve goals but it now takes a new kind of courage with a sense of humor to overcome negative thoughts.

MOVING ALONG

Yes I am moving along slowly.  Our drive after lunch along the quieter country road to Kamloops allowed us to go at our own pace and enjoy nature and the quiet atmosphere.  I am so happy we took our time to enjoy the drive. 

I was looking forward to our visit with Rick in Kamloops and before we knew we were becoming part of the stream of traffic flowing into the city.  We actually drove by his new apartment before we stopped to phone.  Rick drove to meet us and we followed him back to an area of farm like dwellings.

Rick seemed happy but tired surrounded by boxes he had yet to unpack.  He explains his philosophy of life and the creative spirit behind all the busyness of daily work.  His books are all unpacked and look attractively displayed.

He still did not know at this time what plans his son Chris had made to join the travellers.  We were sad to learn later Chris did not feel up to coming along for the ride. 

In every family there are those who choose to keep more to themselves and we accept them.

This is the view from the drive-way at Rick's place.  He is happier to be close to his work and yet live in a spacious area where the sky has replaced the view of the lake.  He now lives in the basement but very private and comfortable. 

We climb up the steep stairs to travel on into Kamloops.  We have supper at Milestones and learn more about Rick's philosophy of life. 

We then drive to our motel on top of the hill looking down on the city.  We can open the sliding door wise and breath in the freshness of the air.  There are chairs outside where we can sit and talk to our neighbors.  Dad was able to talk longer than me; I soon was ready for a bath and bed.  The sun had gone to bed and so did I.

I feel content and spiritually happy as if God's love is resting upon me with a gracious and compassionate light.  My prayer is one of thankfulness.

LEISURELY

The happy groom surrounded by his cousins looking very pleased with himself !  Everyone was having fun/

Dad was full of energy and ideas and as we started our trip in a leisurely manner.  His feet did not bother him but his eyes felt sore and his hip a little painful until he moved around a bit.

Dad had planned a stop at the Quilichena Hotel, built in 1908,  just out of Merit where we stopped for a delicious lunch on the patio.  The whole trip was like a drive back in time.  We had stayed there many years ago for one night on our way to Calgary.  We enjoyed the colorful garden and the birds flying by and I for one was happy to be on the ground.  I have flown to Calgary with dad but it was always a fearful experience for me.  I do not like heights so that may explain it. 

I had a beet salad one of my favorites and dad had a cowboy sized hamburger,

We took our time and I took pictures of course.

We drove along the sparkling waters of the river and stopped just to walk and enjoy the fresh air and the beauty,

I was starting to feel calm and relaxed and finally put the worry that I had not closed the garage door out of my mind.  Usually I always wonder if I have left the iron on or the stove.  I think it is just the fact of letting go that comes out in silly worries.

I breathed in deeply and felt young and alive.  I was not a daughter or mother or grandmother or even a friend I was just me.  I was thankful that over the years I had found the strength to meet the challenges of being in these roles.  I was one of those people who wanted an easy life but came to realize that in the struggle there comes growth.  More than once I wished there was another way.  How would I learn to be forgiving if there was no offense in my life?  Love grows when we learn to love the unlovable qualities in ourselves and in our loved ones.
Spiritual life for those who read the scripture began in a garden and I think that that was a good beginning.  As I get older the body does creek and groan a bit but I am finding that I am gathering happy memories to fill the basket of my life with lasting happiness.

This vase reminds me of the one I have that came over from England with my dad,

As we climbed with renewed energy into the car my thoughts and prayers where with those who were getting ready for our visit and for those grouping in Chilliwack to start out there trip following on the main highway.  We were headed to Kamloops next.

MOUNTAINS

I was so looking forward to our drive through the mountains and just to get away from the little "molehills" that I make into mountains in my life.  Last minute plans were naturally changing as they would do getting everyone organized for our trip tp Edmonton, to celebrate another exciting milestone in the life of our grandchildren.

From the moment they were born through all the ups and downs of their lives there have been many things to clebrate.  Graduations, new jobs, changing of locations, new great grandbabies, along with birthdays and holiday celebrations.

I knew that once we arrived at Stephen and Shawna's home they would be busy making everything perfect for our visit and the visit of the 5 cousins that had changed from 7 to 5.  I was very concerned about Sandra doing too much and sure enough I arrived to see her ankle all bandaged up and Shawna's mom Sue putting ice on it.  She had fallen and had been in pain ever since.

I was confident that Theresa and all the grand children in her van would arrive safely but I still asked the church to pray.  I was so thankful to see them arrive at Stephen's all tired and sweating from the hot drive.  Craig had started the drive as they had left in the dark and Theresa like me does not do well driving in the dark.  They had enough room that they could take turns lieing down on the way but I do not know of anyone of them that actually slept.

Tyler seems to travel well and looked happy and not too tired.  Leah still having pain from her car accident, one could see the pain on her face.

Kim is soon her happy and energetic self.

Dad nd I had enjoyed a leasurely drive with a stop and a visit with Rick in Kamloops.  He was the last of our group to arrive along with Mary and Michael John who live in Edmonton.

Sandra and Shawna did a wonderful job loading the tables with food and arranging chairs, decorations and we where greeted with loving joy.

Dad and I where tired but excited and so happy to see everyone.

We were impressed with Stephen's home, perfect in every way.  A very homey home.  Randy had arrived to help finished putting in the downstairs bathroom where the kids would be sleeping.  Walls had been re plastered and painted so everything was ready.  They all seemed busy and happy to be doing it and worked well together.

Dad and I were just happy to sit around and watch and be waited on.  We were very well looked after!

I am feeling exhausted this morning after we drove 12 hours home yesterday but am thinking of those who will be off to work this morning.  What good sports they all were!  Tyler will be on his long trip home to Brisbane.  He was a joy to visit with and fit is perfectly.

The wedding was beautiful of course and we know that there will be lots of challenges for the young couple but now they are in that romantic glow of love.

To share the joy of others is to experience a moment on the Mountain Top

HIDDEN

Hidden in plain view.  House keys are usually hidden in a plant box or under a mat but ours is inside the little bird in plain sight.  Kim had to hunt all around in the dark the night before last to find it right in the corner.

What a surprise yesterday morning to wake up to find Kim sleeping in our spare bedroom.  Seemed just like the old days when she would cook us keys for breakfast.  Dad and I enjoyed the day with her.  Dad took her to look at lap-top computers and they found a good deal!  Excellent in fact!

We are pleased that Tyler is enjoying his visit with his cousin Leah and Craig.  Young people want to be with young people.  We are feeling our age these days but there is still lots of life in us!  We enjoy the simple things and a little nap makes the day improve.

We are now leaving for Edmonton to attend the marriage ceremony of Shandel and Cameron.  Young love is very inspiring and we are very happy for them.  Thurs. the cousins from Van. drive to Chilliwack to pile and squeeze into the 7 seater van and head off very early Friday morning.  There is a party Sat. night at Shawna and Stephen's and the wedding is on Sat.  Making this deeper step in a relationship is a sign of commitment to love one another through all the hidden ups and downs of their future.

The One who inspires my faith can seem to be hidden.  I believe that He gave birth to this world, creating all its beauty and variations.  He is hidden in the flames of burning candles or fires,  He is the feel of the wind blowing upon us and stirring our imaginations, He is hidden in the paintings of many artists to remind us we are a work in progress.  He is a friend that knows all about us and still cares.

He is the harmony in our music that sets feet dancing and hands clapping.  He is the giver of Joy!