How Fragile We Are

Andy and I are back in Felton.

Please keep my Dad in your prayers. He and Jacob were hit head-on when a car full of teenagers swirved into their lane as they drove home from Scotts Valley. My Dad was air-lifted to San Jose's Regional Medical Center. He will make a full recovery; the injuries could have been so much worse. But, he has multiple fractures and is in a lot of pain right now. Jacob has a broken collar bone, but was released that night and is doing well.

Mike is still in Pittsburgh, since he started his new job this week. We found out about a potential hazard on the home front--extensive lead paint in deteriorated condition. Mike is getting that removed while we're away.

Today I also found out that my friend (my teaching partner for the past two years) just lost her mother to cancer after a long illness. When her brother flew home for the funeral, he contracted some strange virus and also died. I can't imagine the pain she and her family must be going through. The world doesn't seem to be a very safe place at the moment. How do people find meaning in the face of senseless tragedy?

Pittsburgh, PA

We don't have Pittsburgh pics just yet, but here is Andy planting his very own rosebush with Gram in Felton.

We became official homeowners today! I kept pinching myself as I walked up and down the floors (four floors!): "this is really ours? and we can afford it?!" For so long the dream of homeownership alluded us in the Bay Area.

We discovered a blackberry tree (or some other dark berry tree, ripe and delicious) in the backyard, staining our fingers purple with the juices. We found a plum tree, the fruit not yet ripe. We discovered our eccentric next door neighbors. More stories sure to follow...!

I'm feeling both elated and homesick, but fortunately not at the same times. As I bit into a portabella mushroom sandwich on crusty fresh baked panini bread...I mused "ahhh, I could never have this in Felton!" Then, later, watching Andy play with his toy cars, I felt a sadness that's hard to put into words. How much can he possibly understand? Am I making his world better, albeit more confusing? Or just different? Will I ever know if we've chosen the right path for our family?

Right now I'm enjoying a quiet moment by myself, feeling the cool evening breezes blow in from the window, after a humid thunderstorm has passed. Feeling grateful to have family and friends who love me, on both coasts.