Spring Fling @ Filoli and SCU Alumni Egg Hunt

Fun weekend. It was nice to have the sun, the warm air and a well child this weekend. On Saturday, we met my Mom aka Mema at Filoli and enjoyed the spring flowers and some activities. Unfortunately, I was hoping to take plenty of pictures, but my camera battery was dead after a few shots. On Sunday, SCU had the annual Easter egg hunt and brunch. Adam was content with finding two eggs. I met up with a friend from elementary school, Karin, and we had some time to talk of the "old" days (early 70's). It was really a delightful day and she was such a help with Adam.

The theme for this weekend was "photographic". Sunday morning, I dressed Adam in his elephant shortall, he had worn it to Disneyland several months ago in the evening. After dressing him, he says, "I wore this to Disneyland on Winnie the Pooh." Not that articulate, but you get the jest. Then while visiting the Mission, the light fell right into a chair perfectly and I was able to take a photo of Adam I just adore.

You've Come a Long Way Baby!!!

I was going through some old photographs of Adam and came across this one. It was a bit startling to see him so fragile. I surely do appreciate the fact he has put on 20 plus pounds since the photo was taken. Fortuntely, the brace worked to correct his hip dysplasia and there are no long term effects.

Happy Birthday Cherie !!!!

A picture of days gone by. Cherie continues to work with cheetahs doing cheetah research in Africa. Have a fun day!!!! Watch out for wildebeests.

Quinton Stories (Thoughts of Quinton on his fifteenth birthday)

Yes, Quinton turns fifteen today. I regret that I haven't seen the boy in three years, yet he remains in my thoughts. I have to say out of all the children I have ever known Quinton surely is of all the elements.

Quinton's life was the opposite of gentle, however he maintained such a joyful sense of humor I must share some stories.

One Ash Wednesday we returned from church and I took off my socks. The socks were new and black. They left a little fuzz on my feet. Quinton coming out of his room fell to the floor and doubled up in laughter hardly able to speak declared "The Priest put ashes on your feet".

On a trip to Glacier, we camped out with some friends. The Rangers did their regular check of the campsites and warned us of grizzly bears. Quinton who typically showed the bravery of five boys in a very serious manner turned to me and said "I'm going to get eaten tonite by a grizzly". When I questioned him about his concern and asked "Why do you feel it will be you the grizzly goes for?" He very matter of factly replied "Because I have the tastiest look".

On my mom's birthday we were chatting on the phone. My sister was visiting and celebrating with her. Quinton insisted on wishing her a happy birthday. As he spoke with her (age six), he says laughing "You girls must be dancing your wigs off".

Well, I hope Quinton is dancing today. Happy Fifteenth Birthday Quinton !!!!!

"I Smell Toys"

When entering Target a few weeks ago Adam states "I smell toys".

"You Want to Rock a Little Bit ?"

Many of you know Adam has been sick with pneumonia and has just recently recovered. For the longest time the title "You want to rock a little bit?" meant me rocking him to sleep at nap and bedtime. Now that he has recovered, he is back to "The More We Get Together". A welcome transformation of the title.

Another Senior Moment

Today, after working out at the gym I went to pick up Chinese food at a local restaurant. A heavy set black woman sat waiting for her togo order. No sooner had I placed my order when an elderley Italian man came walking out from the back with his pants unzipped. The woman responded and went to him, in a gentle voice "let's get these pants zipped up." The man, confused, talked of needing to get home. The woman continued with her kind assistance and then picked up her food and they walked out together.

The Man With the Woman in the Wheelchair

Today, Adam an I went to a nearby park. It was a sunny Sunday and we had nothing but time on our hands. After Adam carefully collected acorns, we played for a little while on the play structure and began our walk to the gate. A middle aged man and elderley woman in a wheel chair strolled to the patio area. He sat her in the sun. There was a young woman breast feeding a newborn and the women in the chair stared at her with eyes pierced and confused. The man facing his companion looked back at her with pleasure. I thought how odd the mother must feel with such heavy eyes upon her.

I listened to the words being said by the man. He was telling stories of her past. One included an event in which she was interviewed on t.v.. Her expressions were vacant. He continued to talk.

As we left, I felt humanity is good and sometimes misunderstood.