We were blessed with a visit from our neighbour from Redmond over the past couple of weeks. Although Carol's physical presence was an incredible gift, it was what she brought that created tears in the household. I've always said that Martha has the ability to attract and retain friends better than anyone I know. Probably because my friend list is much shorter, it amazes me to watch her so achieve greatness in this area. It could be the lack of a Y chromosome, but even among her double X's, I think she outshines.
As usual, our friends arrive with things from our homeland. It could be a video game (because ones you buy here don't work in your Xbox). It could be Mrs. Butterworth's (because the Irish just can't make or seem to import decent syrup). It could be dental flossers (because Joe can't convince his kids (or wife) of the financial benefits of using normal floss). It could be chocolate chips (because a bag of chips the size of M&M's is hardly good for anything, but a snack). It could be Hershey bars (because the kids just like them better than Cadbury's).
Carol instead brought some memories of our past and visions of our future. Carol's husband Steve passed away last September and it was a devastating event to us. Not being able to go back so soon after we arrived was something we reconciled, but it was still difficult not to be able share our grief with Carol and her family. I know closure isn't the right word, but having Carol visit for a few days was very special to us. So this was a bit of the past, and although there are certainly sad memories here, they will be out-shined by the positives of being friends with Carol, Steve, and their family.
Carol also brought another present. This was a reminder of the friends we left, but also of the friends we'll head back to. Martha has a group of friends that spend time together spinning their creative energies as well as downing a few bottles of wine. This was the hardest thing for her when leaving, but knowing the strength of those friendships and their enduring nature, she was able to jump at the opportunity to come to Ireland. Here was some output of that friendship and undoubtedly a few bottles of wine!!
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| Carol, Martha, and Rod for support. |
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| Claire (I think Martha is the one on the right with a little white in her hair?) |
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| You can read... |
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| Karen Graves (Martha's birthday host in Port Townsend for the past couple of years) |
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| The Dapogny's with one of Steve's beers, I'm sure. |
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| Joy (neighbours from our first place in Newcastle, WA) |
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| Maxine |
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| Judy (stating our current predicament) |
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| Sally |
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| Deb (the only photographer than our kids will sit for - and much more) |
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| Beth (keeper of Radley (right) during quarantine and Steeeve (upper left) until we return. Astro and Gabe, Radley's friends) |
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| The Robbin's family across the street. Such nice people, we tolerate the OSU flag on their garage EVERY Saturday in the fall. |
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| Jodi |
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| Kathy (sorry about the orientation, it confused me too.) (neighbours from our first house in Newcastle) |
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| Debbie |
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| Tears dried and smiles returned. Now we just have to move some pictures to make room on the wall!! |
