Things I Miss

Charlene's upstairs, Ceiladh the border collie is under the
end table in the TV room watching the golf on TV,
Jazz the Llasa Apso is sprawled on the floor at my feet in
the office and I'm just glad to be home.
We left for Chile two weeks ago today and there is a lingering calm
I feel now - back in my "space." It's a familiar space, a space
that's warmer having had the luxury of being reunited with
our two wonderful sons, my youngest son's beautiful new family,
having spent time with Eli's parents and sisters, and Matt's friends
from Fort McMurray, Basil, Madonna and their daughter Jodie.
I'm tired, but it's a good tired ...and there are elements of this
feeling that I hope never fade.
Chile was an interesting experience. Where do I start ?
Being a stranger in a foreign land in which a different language
is spoken is difficult. But to a person, in Chile, they seemed to
understand that our graceless efforts to communicate were at
least well intended - and they seem to have a healthy sense of
humour.
It was a wonderful trip...it was hot...every day. Air conditioning
was limited to a mall and a rented 13 passenger Hyundai.
We ate, we drank, we danced and talked...usually the day
began sometime closer to midmorning than early in the
day - and usually it ended sometime ...well...before sun-up...
it varied by individual but it was not unusual to be having
supper at midnight.
My memories will be of a catholic wedding in Spanish -
a beautiful bride in a beautiful dress and Matt and his
best man, Tyler in the front of the church before a
priest who seemed in tune with the needs of those
present....I will also remember the generosity and
warmth of Lilly and Luis - and the laughter...always an
excuse to laugh...I'll remember gin rummy, tossing the
football and losing at ping pong ( Tyler will remember
tossing the football and winning at gin rummy and
ping pong...Gawd that sounds awkward ), instant
coffee and rum and lamb...and salt...and the laughter.
I'll remember watching the Super Bowl in Spanish,
and not letting American Airlines' destruction of my
prized Martin guitar spoil it all.
It must have been a tremendous strain on Luis and
Lilly, Matt's father and mother in law. They surrendered
their home to us, entertained us, chauffered us all
over the place - night and day - all the while organizing
a wonderful wedding and reception...but always with
grace and a smile.
I miss our sons, I miss our new extended family, and
all the new friends we made, and I miss the excitement
and anticipation that led up to the trip...but all that's been
replaced with a terrific sense that all is right with our
world...all the important pieces are in place and though
the volcanos may steam and burp fiery lava - we
are very lucky and must appreciate the blessings that are
ours.
Til next time...