Every visit
to Spokane makes me think of Sharon.
She has been
gone for almost three years, but, she will always be the reason to visit Spokane.
And, a
visit to the farm comes first.
So many
memories. But, for now, we are just going to absorb the peace, tranquility and amazing beauty around the
homestead.
\
OK... I did not get a full picture of the house.. The place where three generations were born and raised. But the other buildings have been there and are part of the memory . One of those buildings was the spot for some grand parties.... country style... Sharon knew how to entertain.
Chaps
( here is a picture of Sharon at Chaps...probably the last time and with very good friends.)
Saturday morning....
… the morning to remember.
We stopped
at Chaps to see if Celeste was there.
And….she
was….
(Celeste
owns Chaps, is a nurse, and she was the lady / nurse who saw our sister Sharon
collapse in the parking lot outside her restaurant. She stayed with Sharon until the aid car came
to take her to the hospital. But there
were details that we did not know.)
The line
into Chaps for breakfast was outside, and almost to the street. It is Saturday
morning and folks love the breakfast at Chaps. We walked inside and spotted Celeste
chatting with the musician we recognized from last night. She was responding to
something he was not happy about.
As she was
heading back to business, Darrell walked up to her and she immediately came to
us. He re-introduced himself ( they had already met, but I had never seen her though we
had come to Chaps at least 5 times since June 2016 )
As soon as she
came to meet me, I could not hold back. Her arms were open.
No words, just a hug. Such a huge hug that would
not let go. Was it Celeste or was it me…
I told her
that I had been wanting to thank her for being with Sharon and caring for her.
( eyes
swimming )
Celeste
said: I remember that day like it was
yesterday. I remember what I was wearing.
A young man, Sean, came to help. He said he had just finished training
to be a life guard. He wanted to take
over. I told him to take Sharon’s head in his hands, hold it and
talk to her. Tell her your name and just talk to her. So, he did. He held her head . He introduced himself and just talked to her until the medics came.
I was
concerned that she had hit her head and made sure that the hospital knew to
check out any injuries beyond her M.I.
I called the hospital every day.
I have been wanting to meet the family.
Within an hour, there was a similar situation. I was able to help there too. There was a different end to that story.
Within an hour, there was a similar situation. I was able to help there too. There was a different end to that story.
I wish I
could have done more. I will always
remember.
For me… I
thought that meeting Celeste would bring closure ( what is that anyway?) but
instead, it brought connection. There was a real concern and now a lasting bond
between us. During the brief visit that
day, I could see several people wanting to chat with her. One little girl came
up and Celeste bent down and hugged her.
I have to believe that this lady, Celeste, has a genuine admiration for
others and the feeling is mutual.
This is Celeste...and Darrell
Celeste said she wanted to give me something as a token of our bond. So, what better than a mug from Chaps.
Thank you Celeste
Thank you Lord for people who care
Spokane and Sharon...
they always go together....they always will
