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Posted by: Dan @ 11:43 pm
Last Friday, with some fear and anxiety, I left for my first journey away from home since the overnight trip to see the Greg Brown concert back in October. And this was going to be four nights and five days away. It’s hard for me to leave the security of home and the place where I always feel Sandy’s presence the most. But I headed out, leaving a friend to take care of the house, the two dogs and the cat…. because this was going to be good and I couldn’t miss it…
Saturday was my mom’s 75th birthday and she and her husband were getting together with some friends of theirs from college for a combined birthday party in Eugene, Oregon (one of their friends had a birthday a couple days before). So my brother and two sisters and I, along with a nephew and niece, decided to surprise her by showing up at the party. She had no idea we were coming, considering that I live about an 8-hour drive away and my sister Megan lives in Kansas (though she actually flew even farther to Oregon — from Indiana where she was attending a conference). [ My brother lives right in Eugene and my other sister lives an hour away from there.] I picked up Megan at the Portland airport Friday night and Saturday we met up with the other co-conspirators, including the party hosts. Needless to say, mom was shocked and very happy to see all of us together again. The last time we were all together was almost three years ago. It was a great reunion and a wonderful party.
My sisters and brother and I spent the next couple of days with my mom and her husband at their home on the Oregon coast. We had a great time walking the beach and hiking the rugged rocky cliffs as the wild winter surf pounded the coast. Though it was heartbreaking to be at the beach without Sandy, since this is one of our favorite places, it also felt peaceful and comforting to strongly feel her presence in this place. So many good memories here.
Early on the last morning, just as it was getting light, I walked down through the cold misty air to the almost deserted beach — a raven my only companion — and played my Native American flute for Sandy… facing west and standing near the water, the notes blended with the roar of the crashing surf and floated out to sea… out over the waves being lit up by the sunrise…
Good night,
Dan
January 25th, 2007 at 8:49 pm Dan, it was so great spending the weekend with you and the rest of the crew. What a grand time it was from the moment mom’s jaw dropped when you walked in the door while she was talking to you on the phone thinking you were still in Leavenworth, to watching the high tide come in at Devil’s Churn to watching you get soaked twice by the mighty crashing waves…and then laughing all the way back to the valley with all three of my siblings!! It was very special, and mom is still talking about it!! Love you! your sis.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:10 pm Dan, I’m sure it was also comforting to find out how much you feel Sandy’s presence anywhere and you go no matter how far. I know I do. Oh, this will crack you up. You know how I told you about the picture of Sandy that I keep above my desk for inspiration. On Tuesday morning at about 9:30 I was heading out to the school bus with my 24 first graders. It had been a crazy morning. I forgot that I had a meeting, which I missed, two parents called and canceled who were going to help with the field trip and I had one little boy crying because his mom hadn’t brought his permission form in. As we were waiting for her to bring it to school another little girl started crying because she forgot to tell her dad that today was the field trip to the play. Apparently he was going to meet us there to enjoy the “Little Mermaid” with the class. She wanted to call him, my little guy was still sobbing, and then I realized I still needed to send them to use the bathroom before we took off. As if this wasn’t bad enough, I hear our wonderful office secretary’s voice coming from the intercom…”Mrs. Archuleta, are you coming? The other classes are on the bus waiting for you.” I felt like I was about to lose it. As I was getting the last kiddo out the door I heard something fall. For some reason it bothered me enough to check it out. As I approached my desk, where the noise came from I saw our red emergency backpack that is absolutely required to take on any field trip. On the carpet next to the backpack was Sandy’s picture. I had the best feeling inside. Oh, and by the way, that was not the first time her picture has fallen. She only leaves your side long enough to remind the rest of us to enjoy every moment, even the crazy ones. We think of you often. Thank you for writing. Love, Susie
January 25th, 2007 at 10:32 pm Dan—You can’t imagine how much it meant to your siblings and me to have you with us for those five days. It was a very, very special time–all of us together rebonding and remembering all of the other special times that we also shared with Sandy. We know she was with us this time, too. Thank you, thank you for completing the circle which will remain unbroken always. Love you, appreciate you and admire you, Mom
January 27th, 2007 at 12:05 am Dan, I don’t why but everytime I post something on our the school blog, I think of Sandy and visit here to see how you are. Thanks for keeping this blog going and for your candid thoughts. God bless.
January 27th, 2007 at 11:44 am You can’t imagine how you keep me going with your writing. Sandy and you are still very much in my heart and in my mind and you always will be. Thank you so so much for sharing with us. Leda
January 31st, 2007 at 11:21 pm Dan– I must share something which happened today. The weather was incredible here on the Oregon coast so I drove down to Heceta Head (one of your and Sandy’s favorite spots, I know). It was windless and the watercolor painting was going well when a woman came over the take a peak. We chatted a few minutes and I asked her where she lived. “We’re from the state of Washington. Do you happen to know where Wenatchee and Leavenworth are?” I relayed my connection and when she volunteered that she was a 4th grade teacher that brought up more connections. Turns out she and had gone to school in Ellensburg, knew the Beardsleys and she and her husband had both read about you two in the Wenatchee paper. She and her husband were the only ones I talked with today–very few people were at this glorious spot–and we both agreed that there aren’t even six degrees of separation! They now live in East Wenatchee and even knew our old college friend who is a doctor there and with whom I suggested Miller Batson make a connection. Hope that happened. Miller,a doctor, for those of you who were not there, was the one who drove Sandy and Dan in his motor home to the Lance Armstrong Challenge last July. A small and beautiful world. We do indeed need to relish each moment. Love, Mom
February 1st, 2007 at 11:32 pm Dear Dan’s Mom _ Happy 75Th Birthday- Sounded like you all had a very special and surprising celebration. The trick phone call - that was clever. I think of you and your daughters often since meeting you last july !! With Dan , Sandy and you guys all around the tables - cracking all the jokes and story telling - with the muffins and all that great food - than getting the caravan loaded for the big Armstrong Challenge Road Trip - Seeing all of millers’ great photos of the Portland Contingent - Making such fantastic memories for all of us - here in Leavenworth. Thanks again for sharing and teaching all of us how special families are. Happy Birthday Love Mary Pat
February 2nd, 2007 at 10:32 pm Thanks, Mary Pat for the very kind words. Yes, am very lucky to have such a wonderful family. But our visits to Leavenworth last summer taught us something, too. Families are great but great friends and networking such as we witnessed can be absolutely beyond compare and truly indescribable. You were part of that. And for that we all thank you. Carolyn
February 11th, 2007 at 12:17 pm Dan, I was just thinking about you. Thought I would say hello. Wally and I talk often about a visit to Leavenworth. Now we just need to make some reservations. Take care. Love, Susie