I just returned from Friday Harbor, and it was overwhelmingly amazing! I have so much to say, but since I'm so exhausted, I'm not sure if I'm going be very cohesive. I don't even know where to start. Here goes my best shot.
When I first pulled into the harbor, riding the ferry, I suddenly became extremely emotional. I started to worry that maybe the trip to the island was a mistake. I was intimidated by the thought of running into people, not sure if people would recognize me, or that I would have to do a lot of explaining.
As Danny and I came off the boat, we walked up to the Crab Shack (Danny was drawn in by the smell of the fajitas wafting through the open air market). While we waited for Danny's lunch, I was hiding behind my sun glasses, looking around and hoping that I didn't see anyone I recognized. All of a sudden a familiar face popped around the corner. It was a guy that I went to high school with, panicking, my heart rate jumped through the roof. Instantly, I had a billion thoughts run through my mind, "Does he recognize me?"; "Does he remember who I am?"; "Does he even know that I have a tumor?" But just as quickly as those thoughts flooded through mind they were squashed, because he took off his sun glasses, came straight toward Danny and I, and gave me a huge hug. The first thing that came out of his mouth was, "Holy cow, you just made my day!"
Even though this guy was my age, and we'd grown up together, we hadn't been really close friends. I later learned, from our conversation that it was his 30th birthday. I was completely blown away, that on his birthday he told me that I made his day. It was such a heart warming statement, that was so sincere and kind. It was exactly what I needed. From that moment on I relaxed. I'm so grateful for his kindness, I can't even begin to explain it.
From that first interaction on the island, I knew that it was going to be an emotionally healing weekend. Driving through town, as we went to the house, I gave what would be the last cry of the weekend. It was happy tears to be home, a place that fills my soul.
Goes to show you can take the girl out [off] the island, but you can't take the island out of the girl! Whatta great weekend it was. You looked beautiful and were such a trooper, as were your wild girlfriends. Too bad "So Cal Patti" couldn't be here as she says her family lived in FH in the 20s! Who is she? Inquiring minds want to know. xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteTo Susea, Jessica, Danny and all- I sign in as "So Cal" Patti, but my name is Patti McMullin and I am 61 years old, live in Southern California, and have a son Jessica's age. I would have loved to have been up there to meet you all last weekend! My grandparents, Walter & Juanita Nichols lived in the house at 530 Spring St. from the late 1920's until 1969 when my grandfather died. I have many fond memories of going there to visit as a little girl- just love the ride in on the ferry boat and adore the island! My last visit was in 1980 to visit my great aunt Vesta who donated the money to build the Island Convalescent Center and lived in a small house behind it. I would love to buy a little place and retire up there, but not sure if I want to be that far away from my son. I read the local paper every week and that is how I found Jessica's blog and have been posting since the beginning. She is such a beautiful young lady and she often gives me more encouragement than I could ever give her! Hope to get up there with my son someday and would love to meet you all! I'm old- but a ton of fun!!! HA!~
ReplyDeleteI was sad that I didn't run into you while you were here, glad you had a great time and faced yet one more fear, It's not easy!! But you did it. So maybe next time we can run into each other.. Allison.P
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry I missed the Fun! Keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteRich
Such a great weekend. Great friends, great food, and great times! Many more to come. Love you and so glad that I got to spend the weekend with you guys.
ReplyDeletexoxox
Julia