Not so Unplugged.
Me, Sawyer, Rich.
Me, Sawyer, Rich.
It Made a Difference. Honest.
I told you about our acoustic vacation and promised to share how it carried a heft, an aroma, different from our everyday lives. Today, a recap.
First I told you about giving myself space for papaya-induced regret that I’d denied previously. Then I shared a Memorial Day reflection on watching my grandson play T-ball on ground that had been the site of a vicious attack during World War II, and how the carefree children testify that those horrific sacrifices weren’t for nothing. Next, I spoke my mind to my son (in-law), Rob. Finally, I wrote about being a family that stops and attends to rainbows, and about my daughter being a lot like me, but not just like me. Thankfully.
So. What does that say about an unplugged vacation, and weights, and smells? It’s a bit embarrassing to admit that the words are difficult. I mean, words are my stock in trade, no? But not everything is a word thing. Some things, you need to see.
Here are the pictures I chose to show you the weight and fragrance of acoustic life.
Shave Ice at Aoki’s, on the North Shore.
Sawyer, Elaine, Rich, Cadence.
See Rich’s hand on Cadence’s back? The line for shave ice forms right beside the highway. Cars are whizzing by. The backstop hand is instinctive when you have babies and grandbabies.
Sawyer Eyes Papa Rich’s Shave Ice. Confidently.
And Rightfully So.
This Photo Makes my Heart Whistle a Happy Tune.
What is Sawyer Watching?
Sea Turtles. Honu. Who Wouldn’t?
Sawyer Scrambles After Big Brother Cadence. He’d Follow Him Anywhere.
Aunt Crissy and Cousin Anabelle Look On as We Investigate: Will the Inflatable Shark Hold Sawyer AND Cadence?
Apparently Not.
So Papa Rich Takes Cadence for Some Man-Time on the Shark.
This Beach Chair is Perfect for Sharing. And It Doesn’t Capsize.
Cadence Shows Lala His Ninja Moves at the Park.
Papa Rich Sends the Boys Sliding.
Cadence Wears Papa Rich’s Hat.
Papa Rich Bounces Sawyer on His Shins.
Somber Reminders.
Feasting. Clockwise from Top: Grandson Sawyer, Son (in-Law) Rob, Me, Husband Rich, Rob’s Niece Annabelle, Rob’s Sister Crissy, Grandson Cadence, Daughter Elaine.
Do you see it, if you look closely here? If “regular” life smells of cheap cologne, this unplugged vacation carried the scent of a rare bloom’s pure essence, captured and bottled with care. If “regular” life carries that faint odor of deep-fryer grease that drifts in the window as you drive by some fast-food joint, this vacation wafted the tantalizing aromas of a family feast, prepared slowly, with love, by hands from three or four generations.
If regular life flutters by like a gum wrapper on a breeze, this acoustic vacation rolls along, a stone worn smooth, flattening the hurry right out of the day. It permits time to grieve old losses. It leaves room for gratitude to seep right up to the surface. It grants time to reflect and finally share with a much-loved son-in-law. It allows truth to settle into me about how character spans generations–and how it doesn’t. It shows us Papas who tend lovingly to little boys. It illuminates big brothers who care for little brothers. It reminds us that nothing, nothing takes the place of booking the time.
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB)
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