Backward and Forward, Past and Future

I took a journey down memory lane today, traveling south of Columbus to visit with a childhood friend, Jana. We grew up next door to each other in our east side, post-war brick ranch houses on a street where the phrase "idyllic childhood" was coined. We ran in and out of each others houses and yards as if we belonged to both. Our families played cards, grilled out, went to the pool, watched fireworks, and celebrated holidays together. Our mothers, both stay-at-home moms, were friends and the love of that friendship flowed around their two little girls.

After our lunch today, Jana and I went to the assisted living facility where her mom is in hospice. Julie is, in Jana's words, "... transitioning into that final journey of her life."  Julie was weak and her voice soft, but she knew who I was and the three of us sat around recalling life on Shamrock Drive.

This evening had me journeying to my niece Amy's house where her dad and mom (Kirk & Kath) were babysitting little Audrey Madison and Ellie Sophia.


Backward and Forward, Past and Future: Life.