Sunday, May 26, 2019

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. We took Mattie to Pennsylvania over Memorial Day weekend. Because Mattie LOVED trains, we took him to the National Toy Train Museum. Mattie enjoyed the whole experience, especially seeing trains up close and personal. Near the museum, there was also the Red Caboose Motel. Literally train cars have been converted to hotel rooms, which Mattie thought was great. We always joked about coming back and staying in one, but of course a year later, Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. 


Quote of the day: A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve

This morning we attended the Bates College graduation. I have never been to the campus before, but we wanted to make the journey up to celebrate our nephew, Nat's graduation. As we arrived on campus, we got to see Nat proceeding in with his 469 other classmates. Peter snapped this photo!

The ceremony lasted for about two hours. What started as a cool day, turned out to be bright and sunny. We took a family selfie. From left to right:
Will (our nephew), Nat (our nephew), Chris (Peter's brother), Sydney (our niece), me, Lisa (my sister in law), and Don (Peter's dad). In the front are Barbara (Peter's mom) and Peter. 

Nat with his siblings and parents. 

Peter and me with Nat. After the graduation ceremony, Bates had a luncheon buffet outside for the graduates and their families. It was a major production, but very nice for the campus to provide lobster rolls and other goodies for everyone. 

After graduation, we drove about an hour to Waterville, Maine. The rest of the family was staying at a camp by a lake. So we visited them there and had dinner together. 

Of course we are happy to spend time with our nephews and niece and to see them grow and mature. Yet I would say that happy events always give me pause. I pause because I am reminded of who is missing and who we won't be seeing graduate. I saw parents all around me today watching their children graduate, clapping, cheering, and helping them pack. I can absorb all of this but that doesn't mean I don't also feel the loss. 

I would have to say that Maine is not for the meek. It is very beautiful, but very rural. Trees everywhere and frankly since I navigate by landmarks, I would be lost here ALL the time. As every road looks exactly the same to me. We see signs along the road for Moose and deer, and can only imagine these roads at night with no lights.  

My view while Peter was driving back to the hotel. I am thrilled we drove before the sun completely set, because I truly think the four legged creatures own the roads at night.