The other morning I was sitting with a group of friends, sewing, and the talk was of memory and aging (and politics, but that’s another whole ball of wax…) and this morning I was tidying the bedroom and walked by this photo, as I do daily, but was drawn in today. As I gazed at my parents, long gone from us (my Dad died 18 years ago this month) I thought what a very nice photo this is, and how fortuitous that the photographer (my brother Bruce) caught them at what was arguably one of the happiest moments of their lives together.
They were retired, they had moved far from the place where he was born and where they together had lived most of their lives…(Chicago) and here they were in Sequim, Washington, in the far west, on an adventure once again: building a new house…their dream house, building new lives and new friendships. Survivors of the Great Depression and World War II, part of the generation that returned from war and built new houses and suburbs (and began the urban sprawl engulfing us)…here they were again, building a house. A house with a view of the Straits of Juan de Fuca where they watched the giant ships through telescopes and binoculars…a house where each had a large office/workroom, where she had a pantry and a big modern kitchen. Hats off to them…to June and Howard!
On The Way 
It sure feels good to see and read feel good posts. This is a great picture, Bonnie.
your mom and dad were so nice to me when I visited your grandmother in Chicago. I was very young and unsophisticated and they put me at ease. when they visited my folks when you were a baby my mother apologized for lumps in the gravy and your dad said lumps gave it character. good memories.
Mary Elizabeth…you are on my radarscope and how I appreciate that you are out there and that you remember these guys as young people…because I do too. And truth to tell, my Dad DID like lumps in the gravy!
I love this post.
Thanks San…when people are gone from you these moments have a different significance, no?
Georgia…xxoo
A lovely post, Bonnie. It made me specifically remember dear ones in some of their happiest moments. Thank you.
Sue-Del I kinda like the notion that they have left us behind to find something about them…maybe?
bon, your parents were wonderful to me thru junior high, high school, and beyond. i love them as l love you—-
Nothing but love coming to you today “Marilyn” as my Dad used to say…aren’t we lucky to have each others parents clearly in mind as we talk and go forward? Sort of a “platform” we’re on, conversationally…?
Hats off indeed. Building their dreams! Nice photo!
It’s a beautiful photo Bru…yours??
Yep. Lucky to capture a great moment in time. They were so happy.
Bonnie, looks like you have artistic family. Lovely photo!
A Photographer, a writer an architect and me…what a bunch!
Beautiful people and remembrance. Lovely.