Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Morning in Old Reston

It took me 7 minutes to get from my house to Katie's apartment this morning. I was stopped by only one traffic light. How blessed we are to live so close by as it affords us the opportunity to visit often and Jim and I are absolutely delighted to be regular fixtures in Isaac's life. 

Here are some photos of my morning with Isaac and Katie in 'old' Reston. It's been a long time since I moseyed around Lake Anne Plaza. I used to take the kids over there to play when they were little. On certain mornings during the summer we would venture over there with friends to listen to the family entertainment - usually a clown, musicians or their favorite, a comedic magician whose name has escaped me. The buildings looked really dated then, and they appear even more so today. So much concrete ... geez, Robert Simon, what were you thinking?? Just not my taste in architecture, I suppose. Still there is enough beauty around, and the pond, er lake, is kind of peaceful. At any rate, we had a splendid morning and Katie cooked a very scrumptious brunch after we returned to her apartment.

Good morning, Isaac Jogues!


Beautiful Peppers for Sale!

And Flowers, too!

Lake Anne Plaza. The white umbrellas and blue table cloths in the background mark the restaurant where Kevin works, Kalypso's.



Another view.




A sign to let you know there's an Art Studio here - otherwise, you would have no idea. 


Isaac enjoying his late morning stroll and nap.


Katie and I like the house on the right. The flowers on the deck were beautiful, although you can't really tell from this photo.

A view of one of the canals along the path. Swans used to populate the lake, but we didn't see any today.


Back at the apartment, Isaac is mesmerized by a hanging ball while his mommy prepares brunch.


Brunch is served! So yummy!


Isaac and Nana had a wonderful day!

(c) 2010 Darby C. Fitzpatrick

Friday, August 27, 2010

Never too Late for Love

This morning I could hear only one thing, the whirring of the cicadas signaling summer's departure. The evidence is all around; the appearance of those inseparable pals golden rod and ragweed; grasshoppers and crickets flitting about; and the sight of my lovely petunias grown leggy and tired. The nights and mornings are cooler providing much desired relief from the heat and the days have grown shorter, to my personal dismay. Autumn will soon be here offering its own gifts and treasures; its own rhythm.

This autumn will be a time for rediscovery; as if we're coming together for the first time - going back to the start. But it's familiar and somehow ancient, too, as though we have been together forever and will be together forever. Our marriage offers its own song and we continue to dance to its rhythm, those things that come between us and that bring us together. What attracts me most to my husband, his strength and determination, at times pushes me away. My vulnerability, the lack of confidence that has been my constant companion, needs it and appreciates it, yet sometimes it makes me bristle. But he is gentle, too, and caring.  When he cuddles our grandson and offers his broad shoulder for Isaac to lay his weary head, I remember how he was with our own children; how he loved them the way a man does with strength and sweetness, too. And how he still loves them and how he loves me, still. He has few words to express what lies in his heart. What resides there is more precious than gold and cannot be spoken adequately.  He does every now and again, but not often. Because he already said it and meant it, he expects me to know it. And I do, but I need to hear it more than he is willing to say it. And he needs to know, too, that he is loved beyond measure. I, too, am guilty of not speaking it often enough, but sometimes all it takes is a look, a touch of my hand on his, or a quiet walk together after a day proven long and difficult and then he knows. Then we both know.
 
As our children drift away from us, and our time spent parenting is waning - no more ferrying kids here or there, no more picking up after them - we draw together again with much less to distract us from one another; to cleave to one another as we promised from the start and we walk ahead confident in knowing we will carry one another along. It's never too late for love.




(c) 2010 Darby Fitzpatrick

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Big Send Off - day three, four & five

More of Megan's Going Off to College journey.


Jim loading up the van on Thursday morning


Heading south

Megan finishing up her required summer reading

Holly settling in for a long ride

We stopped in Lynchburg for lunch. Megan chatting by phone to one of her friends. Yes, it was raining!  
First stop - Gramma Bea's house near Charlotte.

Holly gazes out Gramma's front door.

Gramma invited her friend, Michael, over for dinner. His sister is attending Belmont Abbey, too.
Thursday night at Gramma's

Friday morning on campus. All checked in - now to unload.

St. Leo's Hall. The book store, gift shop and lots of other offices and rooms are located here.

The Haid theater and ballroom. This is where we had to go to check in.
Megan's dorm.


The door to her room.

Lovey Bear settling in.

Unpacking 

The desks in place ...

and the beds, too!

Here are some photos of the buildings and grounds taken throughout the weekend. Belmont Abbey has a beautiful campus. The monastery is located on-site and the monks are the primary caretakers of the grounds. In fact, the students and staff are really their guests and should behave as such.

The view looking out from the top floor of the dorm.

View from the top floor behind the dorm.

The Student Commons. This is where the dining hall is located.

The St. Joseph Adoration Chapel. My sister, who works in Belmont, comes here to pray on her lunch hour everyday.

Abbey Basilica of Maryhelp, under the patronage of Mary, Help of Christians. Built between 1892 - 1893. Unfortunately, the interior was radically renovated in 1964 removing the beautiful Gothic back altar and arches. Now it looks more like an auditorium than a Basilica. At least they kept the windows - they're breathtaking. The windows, each depicting a single saint, are not stained. They are portraits painted on glass.




Before the parents parted from their kids, a photo was taken of the Belmont Abbey College class of 2014. Immediately following the photo session, the students were instructed to bid a very quick farewell to their families, then move quickly on to their next activity. Not much time for lingering hugs or for tears. Of course, that was the plan.

Belmont Abbey College Class of  2014

Here we are with new friends, Chip, Stephanie & Amanda. (Michael's family) Megan and Amanda met via Facebook and have become very, very good friends. Jim and I really enjoyed meeting her parents. God's hand is clearly evident in this new found friendship between our two families and particularly Amanda's & Megan's.

Gramma Bea joined us for the Saturday evening activities. She had such a good time!

St. Benedict, pray for us!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Big Send Off - day two, in which the packing continues as does the rain and a time out is taken with Jesus

This morning we awoke to the sound of rain pelting the roof. The rain continued, heavily at times, throughout the day. There were puddles everywhere.



As it rained, Megan continued packing.


And I kept up with the laundry.




We started placing Megan's belongings along the wall of the dining room.






At 4:00, we drove over to our parish to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

The adoration chapel at St. Veronica Church. Megan is reading "Left to Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagizi






The packing continued after we returned home.


Even Lovey Bear is going to college!

Lovey Bear has been Megan's friend since she was 7 months old. He looks a little worried about leaving home.





Finally, all the packing is done. Megan relaxes with Holly pup as she ponders what lies ahead. 



We leave tomorrow morning. First stop, Gramma Bea's.