Some of it started last year. For example, my visit to Chicago during the Thanksgiving season was filled with joyful experiences and a surprise that was to affect something important that I'll be doing soon. The celebratory events were: Grandparents Day at Highland Park High School as a guest of my granddaughter, Jesse. She is a senior and it's a special day to honor grandparents. It's important to say I was invited over two years ago and nudged her to death about the date of the event so I wouldn't make conflicting plans. I didn't know it was restricted to seniors at the time. The day finally arrived with or without my anxieties.
So on the great day we had a sit down coffee with short speeches from staff and students honoring grandparents and their influence on the lives of these fabulous students. Great idea! They offered a series of prizes and I got to share a prize for the grandparent that traveled the greatest distance to be there. At first it was just me when all of a sudden it occurred to another guest that she had come from Mexico. So they agreed at that point, since I was on the staging, to give us both certificates. We attended a couple of classes, one of them being art and another science, my two favorite subjects. It was wonderful, meeting her teachers, especially friends and all. They were so generous showing an interest in meeting me and offered kind gestures of help.
The other events were: my daughter Debbie was having an Exhibition Opening of her Photos at a lovely gallery right in the Loop of Chicago. The event was spectacular and her work is gorgeous. I'm truly not being prejudiced. I was a proud mother though to say the least. It was good to see the large attendance and share the party atmosphere.
Thanksgiving, sharing the cooking with Esther, was another great experience. Getting to see my extended family, being able to share a meal together; it doesn't get much better. The holiday was filled with excitement because we got the news (that had to held under cover for a short time) that Kev and Martie, niece and nephew, had to leave suddenly to pick up their new adoptive child who was being born on their arrival day or close to it. We were so excited because not only have they been waiting for such news, it's the first baby in that little family. They've watched all my children have children and finally their day arrived. We were all so happy for them and it was truly a Happy Thanksgiving.
I had one dilemma. Granddaughter, Carli, was going to be in her first recital. This was particularly exciting for her because it was a first time three school orchestra and she was going to play the viola. The concert was being held on the same night that Debbie's opening was taking place. I could not miss that, for sure. Carli emailed her music teacher to see if during my stay I could come to a dress rehearsal. I was allowed to come and I got a wonderful preview, a privilege for one. There I was able to be a cheering fan for one out of many kids.
I got to the school too early so instead of waiting in an empty assembly hall I went for a walk. Right next door is the Art Center that holds a special place in my heart since I spent so many days and years of effort to help get it to the place that it is. It makes me proud even though not a soul in there knows who I am when I walk through the doors. In the entrance, on a table were many art notifications and announcements. I picked up one of everything and put the hand full in my huge purse never to be looked at again 'till I got home.
While in Chicago I even got to see a couple of special friends this time and to celebrate with my son, Adam's, birthday. This particular Chicago visit was the one time I felt sad about going back to Las Vegas. I got home, unpacked and started on my garbage binge from all the "stuff" I brought home with me. One announcement about a trip to Cuba, sponsored by some old acquaintences, caught my eye again. I followed up and signed up to go on an Art Humanitarian Trip to Cuba, a place that I've been longing to go almost my entire adult life. I've always loved the colors and music of Cuba. We'll be steeped in art and cultural events. I'm really excited about finally getting there.
Another idea that took hold last year that culminated this year is that I bought another house. Why? you might ask. I still haven't decided. Investment? Yes. Studio? Yes Landlord? Not sure yet. Isn't that a horrible problem in light of the issues of today?? It took a few houses and offers but this is a cute two bedroom house around the corner. I really love it. It is to be hoped that my family will get some benefit, joy and/or use out of my whimsy/folly into which I indulge during this last part of my life.
Now, today, I'm overjoyed. Carli, 10, won 4 of four championship metes in swimming, 2 first places, one second and one third of different swimming styles. Can't beat that so I'll say good-bye on a happy note. Lots more for another time.
