As we say, "when it rains it pours!" And then I add, "this is for the record, lest we forget!"
On the heels of sister Susan's funeral in Chicago, IL, on March 26 (midway through our week with sister, Ruth and Don in Lansing, MI, arriving back home on March 31), the following week, Tuesday, we met up with brother, Nelson and Elizabeth, April 8 (yes, last week!), before they headed off on their week's Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.
The crazy thing is that this had been in the works for a year, but little did anyone know we'd meet up with them first at Susan's funeral 2 weeks earlier:
As a reminder, Nelson, at age 83, is the oldest of us sibs, standing at the far right with Elizabeth.
Nelson's wife Peggy (married 54 years) gave her Final Goodbye in 2018, after which Nelson
moved to Maine, where he eventually met Elizabeth and moved in with her.
He lovingly refers to themselves as Lord Nelson and Queen Elizabeth!
It was only about 5 hours together at Schiphol (from 8am-12:45pm) but with full concentration on just each other:
Elizabeth's gall-stone surgery just before Susan's funeral still left her a bit wobbly,
but Nelson is a care-giver and she's a fighter, so all went as well as could be expected.
Besides, Schiphol is one of the most fabulous airports in the world, so we were all having fun.
[photo credit: Astrid]
Can you tell?!
They had never had a latte macchiato, so, to kill time, and rest, we all had one.
[photo credit: Astrid]
And because we wanted them to have a good breakfast/brunch to start their day, we treated
them to a Sheraton meal, accessed through inside the airport, after which we relaxed
in the lounge another hour till their taxi arrived for their Airbnb.
Short and Sweet. Many shared stories, some with tears. And lots of laughs and smiles.
Speaking of "when it rains it pours," and believe it or not, daughter Amy arrives on Thursday (YES, 2 days from now!) for her now annual week with us...the 3rd year in a row. We had just seen her, too, at Susan's funeral!
As Astrid often says, "how did we get so lucky!"
Such a great get-together. Love that kind of meeting. Precious time indeed.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Schiphol is a great one!
Just exactly what the doctor ordered, Marie. It's a sweet memory to have and hold.
DeleteI am so glad that we were able to meet Nelson and Elizabeth at the airport an have some quality time. Short and sweet. I am glad that we were able to help with the taxi and the earlier meeting for N&E at the Airbnb. And yes, in that regard Schiphol is wonderful. I am glad that we have the pictures to show we had great laughs as well. IHVJ.
ReplyDeleteIndeed so, Astrid. Let's hope that even now, as we speak, they're fully engaged in their river cruise, just as we were all those years ago!
DeleteQuite excellent that all worked out for your brief visit. I am so eager to hear the details of their cruise! In spite of saying goodbye to Susan, It’s wonderful that you have these multiple visits with family all within a short period of time. I hope we can visit you in the next few years again!
ReplyDeleteIt all DOES seem serendipitous, Ruth, doesn't it! No one could have predicted any of it, to be honest. This is when we say truth/reality is stranger than fiction!
DeleteAs regards visiting us again, we know that seeing your kids in Texas will always be of paramount importance for you, of course. If they ever move back to Michigan, or nearer by, perhaps THEN you can come visit us? That would be nice!
Dat was ern bijzondere ontmoeting ;-)
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Marjolein. It was very special! Thank you.
DeleteYet another memory for the books in just a short time from one event to another. Glad you had that time together!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Amy, and thank you. Indeed!
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