My Chicago Trip

Last Friday I woke up early, and then a lawnmower started whining while I was laying in bed. It brought back memories, of our Salt Lake home and wacky neighbors. (Who mows their lawn at 7:48 am?) At least it wasn't Saturday. I felt refreshed after my day of travel from Oakland, CA.

I was in Oak Lawn, staying with Sylvia, sleeping in her grand-daughter's room. Her husband Bill passed away, at age 67, about a month ago. I wanted to spend time with her because she and I became very close, after she married my brother, in the seventies. Joe left this earth in 1994.

The trip was bittersweet - Nov. 6 was Bill's birthday. Sylvia had recently returned to work, but was taking some time off. She was still upset about his death, and coping with insurance, legal paperwork, and carrying out his last wishes.

A contractor came over to give an estimate for some painting and refinishing. Like everyone, he liked Bill and was very kind to Sylvia. He noted that the house has a light gray theme, including the molding. The oak flooring would be beautiful if refinished, unless pet accidents discolored it. The living room had the old style, of grooved narrow planks.

Later, it started raining, but we visited Home Depot to select paint colors for the house. As we went out and about, the rain increased intensity, as if nature was mourning along with Sylvia. The umbrella broke, literally failed as I tried to close it once we got in the store. I picked out a bunch of colors and some brochures, in light warm shades, to go with what will become refinished oak floors, hidden under carpeting.

We went to the grocery store, to buy groceries since Micheal was coming home after a long absence. Sylvia decided to make beef stew. She reflected that Bill never liked her beef stew, but her son did. So she bought both Welcome Home and Happy Birthday balloons. Then, we headed home to relax and bond, while waiting for Michael to arrive. He was taking the bus home from Pontiac, Illinois, and due in the late evening.