So - the last time I wrote was November 13. Seems like a lifetime ago.
The anticipated trip.
Friday, we loaded up the car and were on the road by 3:30 p.m.. A record for the Johnson family!
1 BIG suitcase, 4 laptops, 2 ipods, 1 DS, 8 books, 2 reading lamps, 1 pillow, 2 blankets, 2 cameras, 3 cell phones, 1 tom tom, and 1 BIG bottle of wine. (More on that later!)
9 hours later - pulled into Redding, Ca for our first sleep. I could have kept going, but was concerned about the Siskiyous (google it) and decided for safety reasons, morning would be a better time to continue the trip.
I am not a morning person. Seriously folks...not kidding. So - we repacked the car and headed out about 10:00 - pretty good for me.
Top of the pass.
We were glad we did not attempt this in the night. Besides, would have missed a beautiful sight! Headed to Woodburn, Or., where our 2 night on the road would be our next stop. We visited with friends (from when I was born) and had a great time, woke the next morning to spend a little more time and do some Bday shopping at the really cool outlet, right next to our hotel.
The Vallees.
We packed up and headed north - just a hop, skip, and a jump. 50 miles or so where we landed in Battle Ground, Wa. and spent time with 2 different families, we love to visit. We stayed 2 nights in Battle Ground and did some lunches, dinners, visiting, geocaching - and as always, had a great time. I even got a very cool new scarf made exactly to my liking!
Darlene - the scarf maker. :-)
The Grindes
Tuesday morning. Not the store. Said our goodbyes to Battle Ground and headed north, 2 1/2 hours, to Kent, Washington. You know how you are excited but nervous or scared all at one time? That was how I felt the entire trip to dad's house. The emotion in all of this is crazy and the ups and downs make it hard to know exactly how your will react to something. I could not wait to see dad and Special K, but I was worried about everything. It is just in my nature, don't try to change it. Anyway - we pulled into the driveway and dad was not home from work yet. It was about noon or so and I was thankful to get the kids in, visit with Kay and regain some control of my heart and emotions before I saw him. For the record, I did not expect him to look different, except for losing a few pounds, but seeing him for the first time, knowing he has a baseball sized mass in his belly that should not be there.....is a little unnerving. Knowing he looks good and fine, but is really sick, is hard.
He came home and walked in like always. Nothing changed. Missing a few pounds. Nothing wrong with that. I felt strong and was very happy to see him. I think I did a lot of "taking him in". Just watching him seemed different to me this time. Things I never want to forget - his blonde hair (knowing we are not sure how it will grow back), how he chuckles when he gets exactly what you are saying and agrees with a, "yeah, that's right!". How he slides funny/edgy jokes right in under your nose and no one gets it or hears it, but me, leaving me with an inner chuckle and the reminder, someday, no one will get me exactly like he does (we have a similar crass sense of humor-for those of you who don't know both of us). How he does his best at all times to be a good dad and grandpa - even when he is feeling crappy. And mostly succeeds. ;-) Most of all - his smile. I never want to forget that sparkle.
Wearing the new hat we bought him to keep his hairless head warm.
Dad had his chemo the week before and so we were not sure how he would be feeling for our visit. He did great and mostly kept up with us. Sometimes he needed a little break from talking, rummikub, noise, kids, or whatever, and after a little snooze or TV time, he would find some more energy to join back in and make our family whole with his presence.
Our Thanksgiving was extra special this year and boy, do we have lots to be thankful for. Special K made a beautiful turkey. I watched. And took pictures. I never really did understand that whole cooking thing......
We got everyone to the table and had a thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat. After dinner and dishes, we all enjoyed the pumpkin pie that Delaney helped make. Double standards I know, but one of the females in this house should know something about a kitchen. Anyway - a night I will never forget! Special memories in the making.......
Delaney and Special K - whipping up a pumpkin pie.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday went by very quickly. We had a great time and although I hated to leave, I knew, watching dad as we pulled away, he will be fine and is in good hands, between Special K and God. And what more could I ask for?!
One of the things Jody and I have for Delaney, someday when she gets married, is a Jeroboam sized bottle of wine from 1999, the year she was born, to be signed by all the grandparents.
The signing.
The drive home was easy - a two dayer. We stopped along the way to pick up my new scarf.....
Note the new scarf!! Oranges, burgundies and sparkle! And of course, my childhood friend whom after 20 years of losing contact.......I found. Isn't he lucky!
Our trip did exactly what it was suppose to do. Gave us time together.
As dad moves forward on his journey, I pray for him and Special K to find the strength they need to just continue to put one foot in front of the other. Some days are going to be hard and some days are going to be harder. I know that together, they will find what they need, through God, to make it out of this valley, and find another peak waiting for them on the other side.
I will continue to keep you updated........and as I end my story, I ask again....please, with all your heart, pray. There is strength in numbers.
In all this, God's will be done.
Until next time........
oxox
Jen
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