Alas

Today my folks left. I did not anticipate that this would be an emotional event for me, but it was. And I have no idea why, really.

Friday, they took off by themselves for a bit, went to the public library and a museum. We met up around dinner time and went to Steve and Patty Hertzog's house for a barbecue with the Hertzog's, Patty's friends Judy and Sue from Montreal. I so enjoyed meeting these friends, and I know my parents had a good time as well.

Then, more friends from Montreal came in -- Diane and Carol -- and about 10 other people showed up, too (Kevin, Sharon -- I think -- their kids and their kids friends). Whew! A packed house! It was great! Like having ready-made family available.

The stories were great, the laughter, fellowship and dinner were great as well.

This morning, back on the north side, we woke up, got ready and headed out for breakfast at Sam's (97th Street and 137th Avenue). But before we left, we met a very nice, interesting and funny man, Art -- Erica's brother-in-law. We had a fabulous time chatting with him and then took off for breakfast. Breakfast was great. And then I was dropped off as my folks took off for the airport for their return flight.

Just as their flights out were chaotic, so were their flights back to Detroit. They were scheduled to get in around 11:00, and instead got in after 1:00 a.m. High winds and storms in Denver, as well as a major malfunction on one plane, lead to the delay. Further, they received none of their luggage on arrival!

Lord, I thank you for my parents safe flights out here a week ago, their safety in driving around this city of crazy driving, and their safe flights home. I thank you, Lord, for bringing them here this summer, for the good friends who treated them so well, for a roof to put over their heads, for new friends met. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to share a grace-filled church with my parents, even though they never actually made a service. I thank you for friends filled with love for you and their desire to share that love with others. I pray that the experiences my parents had in Edmonton impact their lives in a positive manner and that they return again for more. Thank you, Lord.