Making New Memories

Making New Memories

A Story by Shelley Warner
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It's been a while since I posted in Writer's Cafe, but thought I'd share this from "Adventures with John in his Red Ford Truck". In this story, we drive a highway that I used to travel with my husband

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Sunshine on the Columbia River sparkling like thousands of diamonds.

Starling parents guarding their babies in nests at rest stops.

Windmills standing high upon the hill. 

It is July 14, 2022 and John (who has been the love of my life for three years) and I are headed for Boise. I  had surgery two weeks ago to pin my broken collarbone together (I had fallen on a nature trail while bending over to photograph a flower); and I have recovered enough to make the trip. I wad up a soft blanket and cover my chest  to prevent the shoulder seat belt strap from squeezing me like an Anaconda.

My grandson, Zach is riding in the back seat. He will spend the next day with his friend, Vincent, in our old neighborhood. Vincent is two years younger than Zach and he spent every other week with his dad and stepmom, who lived two houses from us. He was rambunctious, intelligent, and was always exuberant about spending time with Zach. Sometimes he came to the door in the late morning on a non-school day and I’d say, “Zach’s still asleep, but you can go wake him up.” Vincent would joyfully run to Zach’s room and bounce, like Tigger, on his bed. It broke my heart to say goodbye to him when we loaded up our u haul on moving day to leave Idaho and move to Washington. 

Our drive to Boise was beautiful. And emotional. I remembered driving from Idaho to Washington with my husband Tom. For years we had lived in the Pacific Northwest and had driven to Boise to see his family. In later years, we lived in Boise and drove to Washington to see my family.  I recalled a poem I had written after he passed away and then I drove the route myself with the grand-kids. It’s called Highway 84. It’s a long poem, but certain passages come to mind:

I miss you Tom

As I drive from Boise to Vancouver

I still see you waving from the steps of

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

In Baker City, Oregon where we once

Toured to see ornate religious art


Now the grand-kids and I drive west

To see Grandma Nita; she’s turning 88!

Not far from Baker City, we stopped to rest

Zach held up his bubble wand and the wind

Grabbed the solution, pulling it straight out,

Like a delicate rainbow windsock


A couple years ago, on one of our trips west

The kids and I stopped at a rest stop

We watched a crop duster

As it swooped over golden fields

It struck me then for the first time;

We’re making new memories

And we are making new memories as now I make this same journey with John. When we pull into rest stops and scenic view areas, he reaches into the back seat and retrieves a step stool that he bought for me. He positions it on the ground and helps me out.  It reminds me of another excerpt from my Hwy 84 poem:

We pull into a rest area and I see a motor home

The side door opens and a woman,

Holding to her walker,

Cautiously descends four metal steps,

Her husband waiting there for her

His hand outstretched

 

 Why do they get to grow old together?

And you and I don’t?

That’s not fair of me,

I can’t begrudge her years with her husband

And expect every woman to be widowed

In solidarity with me

 

 I tell John about seeing that wife and husband and writing about it in the poem. “Now I’m the one needing help out of a vehicle and you’re here to help me,” I say. It feels perfectly normal that now John shares this journey with me, even though this Sunday will mark seven years since Tom’s passing. I think Tom would be happy for me that this kind and loving man is in my life.

We have a great time in Boise seeing friends and family and then a lovely drive back home. It has been a wonderful adventure in John’s red ford truck.






© 2022 Shelley Warner


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Dear Shelley I do so enjoy your stories of your adventures in John's truck. It was lovely to hear about your grandchildren who live with you. It was particularly poignant when you remembered your first husband Tom and his passing seven years ago. I feel sure he would be delighted to know you are in safe hands with John and you have the opportunity for future happiness together. It is lovely to see you back oistingvabdcIbdonhooe you stay.

Chris

Posted 1 Year Ago


Shelley Warner

1 Year Ago

Thank you, those are very special words to me.

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Added on July 26, 2022
Last Updated on July 26, 2022

Author

Shelley Warner
Shelley Warner

Camas, WA



About
I like to write about my life. Sounds a little narcissistic, right? But it's the challenges, the griefs, the joys, the faith struggles, and the enjoyment of nature that inspires me. I have published t.. more..

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