Flying used to be a novelty I loved, a chance to sit still for three hours or more, instead of chasing after small children; reading instead of hauling out laundry or shopping; and being served tea or a hot meal instead of making sandwiches or loading the dishwasher.
Sitting here in Chicago Midway Airport,with a flight delayed one hour, I realize that air travel no longer has that appeal. Having gotten up at 3:45 AM (and I'm speaking east coast time), my neurons are not all firing. Working on my short story is beyond my wearied capabilities—my excuse to do what I've been longing to do–write a blog for you all!
This eight-day trip has been stupendous – thanks for all who prayed for my concerns like good times with daughters, future in-laws, staying healthy (I'm still recovering from mono). I've received all that and actually got more rest than I would have at home, even sleeping ten hours a night three days in a row!
Seeing Sheri's hung canvases, “Genesis and Dreamtime” hanging in the campus center of Union was thrilling. Plus reading the guest book showed the spiritual impact of her work. One day her paintings will be in NYC galleries or museums I believe.
We met and conversed with Sheri's digital photography professor who spoke in glowing terms about her and told us about the fall semester in Vietnam she will participate in. She'll be learning Vietnamese, sightseeing, working and learning more photography under him.
Having dinner with both daughters and their beauxs (my first meet up with Sheri's boyfriend Paul) was another highlight. It also felt good to help a little with Jenny's wedding invitation project, going to the Post Office together and putting stamps on envelopes that are now in the mail. All this took place in Schenectady (a three-hour drive north of NYC, five-hour drive from Jenny's campus).
Having Ozan, Jenny's fiancé, drive us around was wonderful. I definitely felt I was entering a new stage of life.
On Long Island the tulips and daffodils and blossoming trees delighted my eyes. Perhaps the best part was conversation with the parents of Jenny's fiance as we relished a wonderful homemade Turkish dinner, including Sarma, grape leaves rolled around a tasty mixture and another dish of phyllo dough layered with spinach and cheese.
What a delight too was hearing Jenny discuss her poetic response to the Iliad to a group of twenty students and three professors. She told us that for months she truly lived and breathed Homer and though, as a Christian, she disagreed with some of the beliefs and views (a ceramic pot was worth more than a women!) she imagined and joyfully wrote her way into the different characters of this ancient tale. And brief conversation with her mentor professor, Dr. Manning, made this proud mama even prouder.
So here I am, waiting another three-hour flight where a trip to the bathroom is a precarious endeavor. But as I've counted the blessings of having come here, I know it was well worth it. Bathroom remodel, front door replacement—all those needed home projects are of little account compared to the joy of being with and supporting my children in their endeavors as they stretch into adulthood.
Dear Carol,
I was so happy to revisit your blog! I love how you invite me in to your heart -- and yes, so much to be proud of with your beautiful daughters! I just visited the link the Sheri's exhibit, "Genesis and Dreamtime". Stunning. I also loved reading her introduction to it all. It gives me so much to think about. Thank you! And thank you for your encouragement of me! :)
In His love, Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | May 11, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Oh i miss new york.
Posted by: Helena | May 13, 2011 at 06:57 AM
What an update on your life! Here I am with two (relatively) young boys, and you are meeting future in-laws! (And we're not talking parents of YOUR boyfriend!) Cal Poly days are long gone.... I love seeing your heart in this. I am sorry to hear you had mono; glad to know you were recovering from it and hope you are well now. As I read (and "tasted and saw"! I like your descriptive terms!) I can't recall if you are a vegetarian or didn't eat read meat or have food sensitivities or - ? Memory jogging! I commented on another blog first although I read this one first (I'm another Tiger Mom). Don't know when I'll "stop by" again, but am so glad I did. (Wondering how God might want to use this....) Love and prayers to you and yours; I am still reminded of you w/the songs "Steadfast Love of the Lord," and "Majesty" - not a bad link, eh? :)
Posted by: Donna Q. Otoshi | June 15, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Donna, I'm not a vegetarian, but I do share some of my daughters' profound concern over the meat industry in the US and what it does to the land and animals, of whom God told us to take good care of. So we mostly eat sustainably farmed chicken and beef and produce. When we are at others' homes we eat what we're served w/out questions. We do eat at restaurants who don't run by these principles, but are glad when we find one with Niman ranch or Marin Farm beef.
Posted by: Carol Lynn Park | June 15, 2011 at 08:06 AM