Memorial Day Weekend. In America, this Monday is a holiday, a time to honor to the veterans who have served in wars of the past.
While I truly pay respect to those soliders in my heart, now Memorial Day Weekend will always bring up a more personal memory for our family. Though Vernon was no military man, he was OUR man…OUR fighter and protector.
I had been watching the date creeping toward us all month. And when it came, it seemed the best idea would be to get out of town completely…to make some new memories and not think about sad things at all.
Fortunately, I have a Guardian Angel who lives in LA, only an hour north. And she was willing and able to take us all in. Maki almost changed his mind, as he’d got himself in a bit of a funk that day, and said “it didn’t feel right to have fun this weekend.” Though my mom was willing to take him, I’m so glad we finally convinced him to go with us. It was important to me that we were all together, even if we were allowed to each experience the weekend as individuals.
I’ve known my friend Nicole for over twenty years. Not only is she a “soul sister,” but she is one of those special types that I hope everyone has at least one of in their lives. I’ve only met one or two like her. She is a selfless hostess and has a bottomless heart of generosity and love. Plus, we know each other so well, it feels like home just to be around her.
What has been so wonderful in the passing of time is that our families get along well too. We have done many trips together over the years. Vernon had become friends with her husband, Ash, and when the boys were younger, they looked like brothers.
Now, its Justine and Julian that are the kindred spirits, which makes time visiting with Nicole so much easier. They entertained each other all weekend long. A Play Doh bakery, fashion shows on the roof (complete with hand illustrated tickets), and Karaoke (It’s All About the Bass, as nauseam.)
Even Maki found a happy place…just chilling out, without any expectations on him. Which is his favorite, of course.
He also enjoyed some time with Ash, just being guys. Ash took him to a movie and took him to work at the animation studio. (He’s directing the upcoming animated film Rock Dog.) Nicole, by the way, was sure to bring me an autograph from my favorite entertainer, Eddie Izzard. How thoughtful. 🙂 I do love him.
Here are the guys playing Monopoly.
Mostly, we just chilled out. As I said, its a home away from home. I’ve been camping out here and there with Ash and Nicole for half of my life. But it does just bring such joy to see how our families are still a fit, even without Vernon. And it DID take our minds off the anniversary.
We visited the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.
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Watched movies and The David Letterman finale. And on Maki’s request, visited the LACMA, one of his favorite museums.
And now we are rested and ready to enter Year Number Two. I must say I feel relieved the date has finally passed. Let the next season begin. I’d rather look to the future than dwell on the past.
We’ve got this.
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Thank you Allison. Let the next year bring many more adventures and healing and imagining!
You are a blessing and an inspiration.
Thank you so much for this wonderful post, and for getting Maki to come along with you. I think as long as you youselves and other people around are aware that you are especially “soft” at certain times it is good to go on and do stuff. A big thank you to Ash and Nicole for being there.
We are counting down now to see Maki:) Big hug
WOW!! as always beautifully written..sounds like the perfect get-away for your long weekend … i can understnad why you chose to be with Nicole, Ash and Julian..(ash still working on that film?? Aaron and i talk about that day we visited often, it was very special)..you all fit in so perfectly..i`m please Maki got to chill in his own way ..Justine got to be with Julian, and have fun and you got to chill with your friends , and just be who you want to be for a few days …..
For us ..well as you know Aaron turned 18 on Friday ..so we went out for pizza… i gave all the ladies a keyring made with green beads and a silver metal ribbon with “hope” on…. although you couldn`t be with us ..we thought of you all. Mum and Dad came over Sunday and Monday..the “boys” watched football ..the last games of the season ..and we chilled and talked and finished off with cheesy chips (fries)..so all in all we have past the year mark..no more looking back ..we can now all look forward ….the future, may Vern grow strong … and he will begin to heal more ..and he will be back home with you all again, making new memories xx
xx love to you all , big ,big hugs xx
Sounds like you guys had a much needed me time. I love the photos. So wish there was more I could do to help. Kisses and hugs beautiful.
Allison,
A great get away for a four day week-end and a much needed get away for all of you. You and Justine and Maki sure needed it and you will come back refreshed and ready to go another ways down the road that you are having to trod. Have God by your side and He will direct you in the way you should go.
Our prayers are coming your way.
Hugs,
Becky
Beautiful post…the irony of how moments of grief & joy & peace can live so closely together… maybe the link is courage and gratitude. Thank you for sharing so much of both of those qualities with those of us who have the privilege of sharing in your journey, even from a distance.
Abundant blessings.
So wonderful to have that getaway to recharge everyone. Hugs and prayers…
Allison So glad you all got away and had such a great time with old friends doing fun things! Now onto the next year and all of the wonderful surprises and blessings that will come. We’re thinking and praying for you and Vernon and kids. Love you, nancy and joe
Wow….such a great weekend away. Nothing better than great friends that are like family!!!! Looks like a great time. I love how Maki & Justine love one another!!!!
Prayers for you and the coming year!!!!