[patty]

It took me all last week to get ready for my overnight guest. This really was something. I lived next door to this family when Eddie was born in 1957. They had four children, Joy the youngest girl was my babysitter. The parents passed away in 2006. I had send a note to the mom not knowing she had passed away. Helen the next to the oldest daughter got the note and was so happy. Cheryl and I met Joy and Helen at the swap meet in 2008 in Costa Mesa, Ca. You know how everyone says they are going to come and see you (and they never do) Well, Helen and her older sister (Wanda) are on a trip, they came here to see me and their brother Benny and his wife met us here at my house. They only spent one night, what a blast from the past. It's something you read about. The last time I had seen Benny and Wanda was 1962 at Joy's wedding. Never in a million years did I ever think I'd see these people again. Sunday we were all togather except for Joy and she was home in California. I took them on my famous walk along the Sandy River, even if the temp was 97*. It was a great visit, and just so hard to believe after all these years. Benny and his wife live in Vancouver, Wa. and they said they would come back again. We went to Timberline Lodge for lunch. That place is a historical landmark and it's being restored. The place is amazing. Was quite a walk from the parking lot to the lodge itself, needless to say I was out of breath. Isn't it strange the way things happen? All I could do was picture us all back then, and think of all that life had dealt us. I like to remember when they were all kids, because I wasn't that much older. I hope you enjoy my story. So if someone far away tell you they are going to come and visit you, remember it can happen. I think that is the highlight of this year for me.

 

[nanay]

Great story, Patty. I always love to hear good stories.

 

[Abby]

Nice story! It's really weird to take a step back and look at everything that's going on. I know I am young, but graduation is coming near for me. It's weird to think about how much things have changed. I remember when our family was a real young family. Now, I'm halfway through high school, my brother is almost into high school, and my sister is almost into middle school. My parents are no longer young and in their thirties anymore. Everybody seems to be growing old. It's just strange to me. I've been thinking about it all a lot lately.