it has been a very busy and blessed past few days. all of our days are busy right now, thankfully, but the combination of experiences and emotions the past few has been especially enlightening and enjoyable (maybe that isn't the right word since there is some sadness sprinkled in).
all 6 of us climbed in to the truck on Sunday morning and headed to Squirrel Hill PA to visit with Andy and Amy. this was our first visit to their first home and the majesty of that moment was not lost on me. there is no way to fully capture the relationship and emotional bond i have had with Amy over the years but to say she is like a daughter to me probably at least begins to paint the picture well. she has led me, as children often do, through some of the happiest times and pulled me out of some of the saddest. i credit her with a significant role in my life and in making it the wonderful existence i currently relish.
and now Amy has found such a beautiful young man in Andy. truly wonderful. their home is perfect for them. location is excellent, look and feel of the place is just right. a game of Uno, some memories etched in our gray matter, and off we went to PNC Park to share some time watching the Pirates lose.
the significance of Andy and Amy off on their own was powerful. rewarding. overwhelming.
my brother and dad were also at the Pirates game and we had an enjoyable time. we were able to visit some, and Doug spend some one on one time with Aaron and Christian which I always enjoy. so many of my family memories center around athletic or musical events, with us participating or just attending. any time I attend a game or concert now, the memories flood back in. i'm blessed.
we decided somewhat spontaneously to go back to Pittsburgh and the Zoo and Aquarium on Monday. the kids traveled well and we had a blast. again it was fun just to see our family, today, enjoying the Zoo and remember all the memories we've share there. we talked about the kid's trips with their classes and different things that had occurred. i talked about my memories of going to the Pittsburgh Zoo when i was in grade school. the boys were excited about getting to the kid's kingdom but soon realized they had mostly outgrown it. that was a satisfying and also sad experience. Brittany was so excited about the acquarium and it was like seeing her as a toddler again. Kelsey loves the elephants and they were stunning to see. we got to see some baby elephants...just magical. it was a truly remarkable day with my incredible wife and most wonderful family. i'm blessed.
i learned Tuesday that Doug's friend Lance Wagner was failing fast. we knew this was coming but knowing doesn't blunt the pain. Doug called me last night to let me know Lance had died and we talked about some of the memories we shared about Lance and how he had added to the fabric of our lives. it always hurts me so deeply to hear my brother in pain. he is always a rock for me, and when i see his fragility it serves as a stunning metaphor for how fragile we all are. how fragile life is. so much emotion. so much wonder. i'm blessed.
thank you Lord for the diversity, the chaos, the calm, the abundance of experiences and emotions.
