This is dedicated to my brother Rick,
my sister Ronda and my father,Joseph.
We went from a family of five,
to just the four of us, in the blink of an eye.
With much prayer and support from those around us;
Instead of floating along in life,
We all learned to swim.
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So, it was a September weekend that we set off...
Old photo's in hand, road maps, ipad, camera,
and three siblings who share in the memories of she--
who gave birth to us, loved and nurtured us for a time
and without wanting to... set us free.
Our first stop was in the city, in which I still live today.
And not only that, but the home that we lived in as a family
for most of our growing up years, is just two doors down from me.
This was the last home of she.
Our mother lived in a few different coastal towns, in Southern California;
during most of her growing up years.
The town welcomed us with its sunny skies & ocean breezes;
thick with the smell of sea salt.
As did the thundering sounds of jet planes flying overhead;
preparing to land in the nearby airport.
The memories of these beautiful towns brought
the three of us back to simpler times;
Times where family was near and all was well.
We were able to locate our mother's elementary school.
We walked the grounds of this sprawling historical place
wondering which classroom's had welcomed her in.
Our feet hit the pavement on the playgrounds of this school;
where the sounds of children past-- laughing and playing, was surely to be heard.
The high school she attended greeted us with its tremendous beauty and stature;
Here-- she would grace this campus in her full skirts and sweaters.
Close friendships, laughter, smiles from cute boys, trips to the beach, records spinning
on the turn-table, school dances, movie shows,
and being on the school's swim team were part of her years here.
We brought her picture along, and as we stood on those front steps;
we knew we were standing where she once did, so many years ago.
Wishing so much she could be here, to share with us; in person ,
her memories of what transpired in those echoing school halls.
God was so gracious in leading us here, so that this picture was able to be added.
We accidentally found the swimming pool that our mother
competed and lettered in for her school.
It was right next door to her elementary school and
across the street from her high school. What a gem it was to see.
It was built back in 1940 and is still used today!
This is the home that she grew up in,
until she took our father's hand in marriage.
The lattice that bordered the porch, still supports its lofty beams.
A lot of research went into this next spot,
but... we finally found it.
It was called, "The Little Church Around the Corner".
The church that our parents were married in;
where forever "I Do's" were exchanged in the month of February.
(You can see the black and white photo from our parents wedding album
and the updated photo's from our trip.
It looks a lot the same, even over 50 years later)
This was our very first house. Our parents made it a home.
This is where our early childhood memories reside.
It was where diapers were changed, babies were rocked,
toddlers learned to walk and later ride tricycles;
Where we ate melting Popsicles on the porch,
on a warm summer's day.
(Here I am on the same porch steps several years earlier!)
As I look over the photographs of our very special day,
I can't help but think that this was something that she would
have wanted to be a part of herself.
That one day she would have taken us on a memory trip--of her memories.
But instead, we can only peek into some of her thoughts,
as we sift through old photographs, diaries, yearbooks and letters.
I am so proud to be her daughter and so grateful to have walked in her footsteps.
My brother says that I remind him so much of her.
A broad smile passes across my lips and I say,
"Thanks Rick, a better compliment, I will never receive".
