While I was still coughing quite a bit on Friday, I decided to stay home rather than join Tom for the weekly gathering at Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka. These get-togethers mean a lot, especially with Tom being the youngest of the remaining six siblings, and I never want to miss an opportunity to be part of those moments. But as I sat there thinking about it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my lingering cough might make his older sisters and brother-in-law uncomfortable. Even though it has been over a month since we first got sick and I am fairly certain I am no longer contagious, it simply felt like the considerate choice to stay behind.
So instead, I settled in for a quiet evening on my own. There was something oddly comforting about it. I ordered dinner through Grubhub, taking advantage of the no-delivery-fee benefit with Amazon Prime, and treated myself to a Chipotle beef-and-chicken bowl. It felt indulgent in the best possible way. I streamed a few movies, the kind you can kind of watch while resting, and spent some time chatting with my sister Julie. Before I knew it, the evening had slipped by, and soon Tom was back, full of stories from the night.
Yesterday brought a complete change of pace as we made the 45-minute drive to Shoreview for Megan’s graduation party. Megan is Heather’s daughter, and it was such a joy to be included in such a special celebration. The party was wonderful, full of warmth, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of pride that surrounds a milestone like this. We had the chance to meet more of Heather’s family and friends, which made the day feel even richer.
It was also so special to spend time again with Greg and two of our grandchildren, Miles and Maisie, along with Maisie’s boyfriend, Dakota. Madighan had to work and couldn’t join us. I found myself looking at them and thinking how quickly everything has changed. Miles will soon be heading off to the University of Minnesota, moving into the dorms and beginning this exciting new chapter. Maisie is already out on her own, with an apartment near the farm where she works and close to Dakota. Madighan is living with her mom, Camille, finding her own way as well. She graduates in 2028, and of course, we will be here for that! It is one of those moments where you pause and realize that your children are now raising independent young adults, and the life you once knew has gently shifted into something new. Greg is on the brink of becoming an empty nester, and it all seems to have happened in the blink of an eye.
This morning, I am looking forward to a visit from my dear friend Chere, where we’ll meet in the hotel’s dining room. These one-on-one conversations have always meant so much to me. At the same time, Tom has headed off to the laundromat in Chanhassen. I offered to go along, after I met with Chere, but he assured me he would be just fine handling it on his own. It will give him a few hours to take care of things, and me a chance to sit, sip my coffee, and enjoy Chere’s company.
Later today, we will begin packing, which we’ll likely finish tomorrow. In the late afternoon, we are heading over to TJ and Sarah’s home for a barbecue with Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent. It feels like these last few days are filled with meaningful goodbyes and one more chance to be together before we head off again.
Somewhere in the next couple of days, we will also see Greg again after he and Heather return from Chicago, where they are attending Hannah’s graduation. It has been a whirlwind for them, one celebration after another, yet they have still found the time to be with us during our visit. That means more than words can say, especially after we were under the weather and missed time with all of them.
Tonight, we will likely keep things simple once again, ordering dinner to go and spending a quiet evening together. After everything, it feels good to slow down, to reflect, and to appreciate these moments as they come.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 7, 2016:
No photos were posted on this date due to WiFi issues in Bali.