On Seeing Granma

My Granma lives with dementia- Her short term memory is on a loop. Her long term memory is generally more reliable. Conversations with her are always a gift. She provides unexpected pockets of clarity...and sometimes hilarity. Her comments are insightful and refreshingly honest. This combined with the wisdom of her years.

It has been at least 10 months since I have been able to see her- As I rounded the corner, I recognized her profile. She was in her wheel chair, gazing into the dining room. She had not seen me yet. I exhaled and took a moment to watch her in thought.

Finally, I made a wide berth in front of her, so she could she me coming. I knew the moment that she recognized me. Her blue eyes widened with joy and her face lit up with such happiness. My face reflecting the same. It was as if our spirits met and joyfully embraced before I was able to physically touch her.

As I finally was able to hug her, kiss her, and held her hands...she whispered "it has been so long." Pockets of clarity.

I love Grams!

On Seeing Them Graduate

While completing externships- I had wonderful, intellectual, and devoted professionals serving as my supervisors. As I was approaching graduation, I remember one of my supervisors telling me that she felt like she was a mother bird pushing me from the nest. She was sending me to "spread my wings and fly."

I now know how she felt. I had to opportunity to watch my first group of speech clients graduate high school and venture into the real world of college, employment, & adult relationships.
I met most of them as tentative freshman in high school. I called them from class and gave them their speech or language therapy schedules. They were so young and still overwhelmed, so they accepted the schedules and came at their appointed times.

As sophomores, they begin to become more comfortable. Often, this was the age where some introspection had taken over. They would begin to question the need for speech or language services.

Student:"My PE coach says that I talk just fine, I don't know why I have to come to speech."

Me: "Your articulation is fine, you are in language therapy...the fact that I have failed to teach you the difference is why you are still attending therapy. "

By the time they were Juniors- they had begun to mature in the art of negotiation...Although in a sullen manner.

Sullen Student: " I TOLD YOU, Fourth period is bad for me, I have geography and we have a project...couldn't we just skip this week? Even my Mom wants to know why I am in speech...NO DON'T call her...she has to work. FINE- I'll just come...WHATEVER!"

Finally, as seniors, a sense of maturity begin to blossom. The relationship would change.

Student: "Could you please help me with the vocabulary in English class- I am not doing great in that class." or "Could I practice my presentation in speech?" or "Could you attend my senior project presentation?"

As the maturity begin to unfold- the requests became more reasonable and based on a well-thought out process. "Could I be grouped with Leslie? We are both working on the same things and she is my friend? Also, we can't come during 4th period- but, we will come during 6th. Please remember to call the teacher and tell her."

Many of my previous clients have become my "friends" via facebook, etc. As we "chat" about their aspirations, challenges, and new lives- I can't help but feel a bit of nostalgia and am awestruck relentless march of time.

I cherish the moments that I had with these precious spirits and souls. I wish them lives filled with love, health, and joy.

Fly birdies....fly!!!

We Are Family

My family came to visit- we met them at the Wydham Orlando Resort.
Floated around the Lazy River- watched fireworks, played putt-putt
spent some time in the awesome suites. The best part was getting to see my family.
We spent a fab time with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins at Universal- So, can I tell you that my aunt is my hero right now- She rode "The Hulk" with me- didn't even debate it- just did it. And my Uncle was an awfully good sport about Scott lying to him regarding the possibility of staying dry on the water rides.

Uncle: "Do you get wet on that ride?"

Scott: " Only if you sit in certain seats, you'll be okay."

Uncle: "Okay let's ride"

After the ride

Scott: "Sorry man, I didn't know that everyone got wet."

Uncle: " It was fun!"

Repeat this conversation 4 times.

I got to meet my cousin's wife and their precious girl-Saw my 2nd little cousin ride his first huge roller coaster, and spent time just being.

I don't want summer to end!

The Zoku is so cooooool (Sorry coudnn't help it)

Bought the Zoku- very awesome- I was concerned about the amount of money that I spent on it. But not anymore because we love it!
Made 6 Popsicles in 20 minutes. & they were yummy!
We used two flavors for our first pops. Watermelon, coconut water (from Vita Coco), and agave for layer one.

Blueberries, coconut water, and agave for layer 2.

Use a flexible measuring cup, poor in the goodness and 12 minutes later- delicious pops!

It is a Zoo Out There....

There is a woman that I know. I will call her "Marsha." When our paths cross- she looks at me like this:Then, I am all like this:
Then, she looks at me like this:
& finally, I am like, "whatever."

Air Force One-

The tour guide indicated that this (the first) Air Force One was technologically state of the art. Now, however, the newer model was designed with luxury in mind.

Kennedy and his family spent time on this plane.
These are cockpit shots.


This was a lavatory up front. Notice the air fresheners --"stick ups!"

Communication
More communication.
Behind the curtain is a microwave. Had to have been one of the first ones.


A picture of President JFK and the First Lady exiting the plane.

President's on board office, with phone, and hat rack.

Presidential Lavatory with Doggie Door.


Extra seating.
The overheads pull down into bunking areas.
Tourists.

Typewriter in annex office area.
Copier.

Fantasy Island

When I was in elementary school, my mother bought me a crossing guard costume. I adored it. In my mind, the crossing guards carried the same amount of authority as police officers. When they held up those gloved hands- people had to respect and obey.

I remembering donning the plastic/vinyl vest (which, now that I think about it...was the same material as a cheap shower curtain), attaching my plastic badge, grabbing my baton & plastic whistle, and ran to the nearest busy street. I was going to direct me some traffic. & No, my mother did not know about this. & probably still doesn't.

As I approached the street, my spirits began to dampen a bit. It was Saturday- No one was coming from or going to school...No one would need my assistance to cross. I stood at the corner of my street and the busy intersecting one...what to do??? Then it hit me, I could assist those who want to turn down my road by...stopping the traffic with my gloved hand...AND I could direct the those who wanted to turn ...with MY SILVER BATON!!! Although this was a fantastic idea...I was still a little embarrassed by my new badge, uniform, and promotion. So, I hid behind a tree on the corner, and waited for oncoming cars to signal their desire to turn.

As soon as the car signaled, I would jump from my hiding stop and attempt to control the oncoming traffic. When seeing me and my get up- driver's faces exhibited a number of emotions, fear, bewilderment, anger, and relief (when they managed to avoid flattening me). Thankfully, this phase was short lived- the horns frightened me.

This is the memory that came back to me as I took these pictures of Chandler coming out of the Air Force One.
Because, as a kid, I would have milked this. I would have stood at the top of the stairs and posed, and waved, and shamelessly pretended.
For a moment, in my own head, I would of been the Prez.
& I would have imagined the Marines saluting me...especially one Marine in particular...That is right, Scott would have to salute me. heehee!
The Air Force One is available to tour at the Seattle Museum of Flight-

I will post pics of the interior.