This Month of June, 2010...

It's been a year since we returned from Italy. A year ago today we were not as yet back in our home and were staying with good friend Jill. We were unemployed and wondering what kind of opportunities would manifest.

So here we are a year later and we all know that we both have good but intense jobs. We've gotten back into the swing of Seattle life but still, not a day goes by when I don't think of our time in Europe.

This month of June has been a month of graduation and new beginnings. A month of watching dear friends pack and drive away for a new life in California. A month to journey to Florida for Kim to visit her father and take joy in his presence.

After Ken's death, John decided he needed to leave Seattle for a fresh start.
John and Clayton decided to move to Palm Springs, California.
(Note: Hot as hell there but there's only so much warning a girl can give...
They're big boys and just because I would have to kill myself if
I had to move there doesn't mean I can't support their insane desires.)

As we all know, moving is intense but Clayton has maintained his sense of humor.

This is a sight that Kim and I have been dreading for quite some time.
Good friends are not always easy to come by; we've lost a number in the past years.
I do try to remind myself that this time it is a bit different
because we've lost John & Clayton...
to life.

For old time's sake (and a lock) we took a final stroll to the boy's favorite store.

And to remind of life and changing occurrences
(in a blink of an eye)
Kim backed into a huge dump truck parked across the street as we tried to pull away.
One of our common comments at such events is, (in this case me to Kim):
"Better you than me."

Soon after the boy's departed, Kim left for Florida to visit her father for
Father's Day. He resides in West Palm Beach--also a place that is hot as hell AND humid!
How and why do people live in these places??

Kim always takes her father (Ted) to a place called, "Friendly's" for ice cream.
He transferred his love for ice cream to her and
it is a powerful genetic connection.

Afterward, to burn off a few of those calories, they did some dancing...

Ted used to teach professional dancing--
dancing is one of his many talents and life loves.

What I remembered about life this month:
1) It's always hard to say goodbye.
2) Act on your impulses when it comes to keeping in touch with family and friends.
3) Airlines give last minute discounts.
4) Rest and observe: Helps us to manage the fluctuations of life's challenges.

Alex.

It's that time of year. Graduation ceremonies abound. A couple of Saturday's ago, Kim and I attended the high school graduation of our dear, little Alex. On June 13th he turned 18; Kim and I were there when he took his first breath.

Alex has been attending a small private school in Seattle. They do many things differently at this school. Like attending class is optional--just deal with the consequences of not being there and perhaps missing important information. Parents are not to remind their kids about assignments or school responsibilities...that's between the school, teachers, and the student. CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS???? This approach teaches self responsibility, time management, and keeping track of priorities. CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS???

So, it should come as no surprise that their graduation ceremonies are also a little different from say, what you experienced.

All the grade levels and students were on the stage together.

There's our boy, Alex.

The graduates are required to write a credo--a "This I believe" statement.
Alex read his and my eyes became water works.
He wrote of appreciating his privileged life in this country and wanting to give back to the rest of the world. He wrote of wanting to help those impoverished in this country and the world.
He stated that he cares for others less fortunate.
He knows they are out there--he has seen them in his travels, and he
wants to help. He wants to be part of the solution.

The graduate chooses someone to introduce him. Here one of his instructors talks about Alex and shares his thoughts with the audience. Okay, this was one of those moments when you had to be there. His instructor compared Alex to Jesus. Like I said, you had to be there; made perfect sense at the time. Trust me.

Alex doesn't walk on water, yet.

Then, people in the audience speak to Alex and share their thoughts. Here his mom, our good friend, Deb speaks to her son.

Dad Peter takes a turn.

It was harder than he thought it would be.

Alex listens--to parents, friends, aunties, and teachers.

And Peter's sister tells us from whom Alex learned to be a good brother.

I must say, it was one of the most amazing ceremonies I have ever been to.
And now, a little familiar tradition.
Daaah, dah dee da daah duh....

Alex and girlfriend, Chloe.

A proud mom reads his graduation certificate.

The class of 2010.
(I told you it was a small school.)

The Kahn's. Deb, Alex, Emma and Peter.

Dad, Peter, tossed this ball to Alex as he spoke to him in the ceremony.

Alex's graduation day was one of the first rain free days we'd had in weeks.

I'd like to think that it was a good start to a new life, new journey and challenges.
As I see my life entering a point where I see and envision an end to a working career I feel such hope for the start of Alex's journey. He is such a kind, sweet young man. Can you imagine someone introducing YOU and comparing you to Jesus???

My brain can't even go there; but someone did when it came to Alex. Sure, he's not perfect (I believe Jesus threw a few tantrums) but I know that he is trustworthy and will always t r y to do the right thing. He'll pay attention, ask questions, make some blunders and will own his mistakes. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT???

What fun it will be to watch.

Catching Up...

It's been awhile since I've been able to get back to this cyber keyboard world. On a daily basis, I've thought of writing many times but life, visitors, school, work, and more visitors have delayed me. What fun it is to blame others!!

Chapter 1: One of my younger sisters, Andie, came for a visit to celebrate her 50th birthday. I was totally honored for her to come and share this big marker with Kim and me. We spent much time just talking and visiting. She's the perfect visitor in that she is totally fine with entertaining herself and she enjoyed getting out and creating her own adventures. This is one outing we did take together--hooking up at the Pike Market when I finished work. What you don't see in the picture are the many shopping bags we accumulated at a local kitchen store....

The Pike Market is a bustling fun place. The amazing thing is that I am there every day as I make my rounds to the various buildings but I don't stop and visit it--not even for fresh fish or vegetables, or whatever. I remain on its fringes and it rarely enters my mind when I am in worker bee mode.

I haven't been a Seattle tourist in quite some time--certainly since having returned from Italy. I never tire of this view from the Pike Street Market.
Our busy port.

Chapter 2: Dove tailing on Andie's heels was friend Ellen. She was visiting from Honduras where she now resides and fills her days with amazing deeds. She is her one person Peace Corp and has built schools, brought health services and other humanitarian programs to the impoverished area where she lives. At some near future date I hope to do a blog just on her. Until then, you can go to her web site, Project School Supplies and get a feel for her work:
http://projectschoolsupplies.org

Chapter 3: Next in line for a good visit was older sister, Gloria and brother in law, Bill. They took a long driving tour up to Seattle from Los Alamos. It's been good to keep in touch with my sisters. When parents die, one never really knows if there will be enough glue to keep us all together....Gloria has made it her job to remind us of this and is very good about keeping in touch.

Here we are in West Seattle, near Alki.

Poor Gloria and Bill hit it just in time for constant rain. On their third day, it finally cleared a bit and we quickly got out to take a driving tour around the city. I was tour guide and drove their SUV! ME in a SUV, HA HA HA. I could barely reach the pedals.

One of our destinations was the Locks.

The locks allow the boats to move from the fresh water of Lake Union

to the salt waters of Puget Sound.

Churning waters of intensity.

Watching the boats flow by is meditative.

Later we had a nice dinner at Fisherman's Terminal.
This is where the boats and ships that fish out at sea and in Alaska dock.

Local residents.

Here is a memorial to all the individuals who have been lost and killed at sea.
Give them a thought the next time you enjoy a seafood dinner....

Chapter 4: The real reason Gloria and Bill came to Seattle:

Prior to selling my parent's home in NM, I took a walk around the perimeter and collected rocks that my father had collected over the years. When he would be out in the woods hunting or hiking, he would bring home rocks that called to him.

I have developed this habit as well. I loaded up the rocks from their house and took them to Gloria and Bill's for safe keeping.
They are not the kind of things that travel via UPS or in airline luggage.

Gloria and Bill transported these gems to me in Seattle.

They are now safely tucked in our Seattle garden.

Each day these visual reminders bring my parents back

into my mind

and heart.

They will be here long after I am gone.
They have become my prized possessions.

Chapter 5:
And I thank them.