Driving to Mom's

I missed Mother's Day. Dad's birthday would have been this coming Monday. I haven't been out to visit Mom since the funeral. I decide that this weekend is the right time to go, and am happy to hear my sister Jael is also coming out for a few days. I haven't seen her since December either.

Neither Drew nor Kiel can get away. They are working. I get to have some alone time - how amazing is that! I have no particular deadline to meet. I can take my time, drive at my own pace, take care of some things I have also needed to do, and arrive whenever. I plan my itinerary happily. First, I rent a car, then load up.

One praying angel to place on Michael's grave (I haven't been to his gravesite in over two years). Two sets of books on tape to keep me entertained while driving - one for the trip out, the other for the drive home. The library had a ton of interesting things, including a Garrison Keillor novel called Pontoon. Suitcase. Paperwork for meeting with the Jairus House consultant. I am so excited to be moving forward on the 501c3 venture. Don't forget the instructions to Mark's new place. I am looking forward to seeing my grandson, who has grown considerably since last we met.

The drive is pleasant once I got beyond Rochester's fog. I set the cruise control and laugh at the ridiculous antics of the book on tape. I stop now and again to stretch my legs. In no time at all I am exiting at Amsterdam and driving across Route 67 towards the little Milton Cemetery. Then a not so quick spin through Saratoga to the new library for my meeting. It goes very well and I am heartily encouraged.

Soon I am sitting in Mark's lovely living room playing with Ramseyes and chatting with the kids. I grab a quick lunch (complete with a Martha's soft ice cream!) before heading to Mom's. The Lake George area is in full summer mode already. Tourists clog the streets and the troopers abound along the Northway. I chug up Bear Mountain, searching for the familiar driveway now hidden behind a new monstrosity of a summer house someone plunked down.

It feels good and strange to be at Mom's. I half expect to see Dad appear from down cellar where he usually was working on a sermon. But no, my brother now sits in Dad's chair. The new addition is coming along nicely, the skylights opening up the A frame to let in lots of light. Mom is sorting through stuff, lightening the load, cleaning out closets.

We chat for some time before I head to bed, only to hear my sister arrive and tromp back to the living room to catch up with her. Its nice to be with family when I am out of Mom mode myself. Seeing everyone is like slipping into a comfy sweater and feeling cozy. I definitely need to do this more often! Hugs all around.