And the mother load

In my last e-blast to friends of AES, I asked if anyone had or had access to bits of lace, tapestry, jewelry findings, or all other types of 'useful' things I could use in my lace vignettes and mixed media jewelry.  Vonnie works across the street from the Ladner thrift store.  One of the best I've been in.  And here is what arrived in the mail last week.  The 'mother load' of finds.

Jewelry Findings and Lace

Anne from Saanich sent me these in her most recent package (including pieces of leather).  The envelope that arrived a couple of weeks before has already been sorted and put away.  I'm going to make her a mini leather booklace.

Forever in our hearts. Happy Birthday Jeremy.

Born July 15, 1973. 

Happy Birthday Jeremy.

You were an awesome baby, child, boy, young man and man.

We love you and miss you.

In our hearts always.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Vonnie and Garry

 

Same bouquet in full bloom.  Gorgeous!

 

A Birth Day 40 Years Ago

Written on Ruxton Island, July 14, 2013 for Jeremy’s birthday July 15

To my dearest baby boy,

40 years ago today I brought you into this world and we were together for just over 36 of those years. We will be together again one day but until then I carry you in my heart. So many memories and so many stories.  When I wake up on Ruxton Island in the loft... oh you would be so pleased with the ladder. It is a work of art ~ Owen poured a lot of love into that ladder and knew that with every swipe of the plane, you were by his side and the words he spoke were for you to hear…  Back to waking up in the loft.   The night sky is just beginning to brighten and the birds chattering wake me before dawn.  I think they know the sun is getting closer and start to sing as the sky lightens and begins to turn shades of red, pink and then into a milky blue and then a full on, sky blue.  And I think the eagles are back nesting high above Nelson’s.  You can hear them.  As my eyes peer into the lightening of day, I have a ritual where I trace the Celtic geometric cloth in my minds eye that hangs over the bed.  Did you?   The leaves and needles flutter in the trees when there is a breeze and sometimes the breeze sneaks through the screen window (yep, the window has a screen on it now) and caresses my face.  I love your loft Jeremy, especially in the early morning and there is not a morning, where ever I am, that you are not in my mind and bring a smile to my face and sometimes the ache sneaks up on me and my cheeks moisten as the tears fall ~ the ache of missing you.

 

 

4 years ago today, a little after the sun rose, we walked down the trail together with Mystic in your arms.  I held your beautiful cat while you got the boat and together we took Mystic to the Vet and there he went to sleep for the last time.  This time as you carried Mystic back up the hill from the beach, tears streaked your face.  Losing your kitty after 17 years broke your heart.

 

 

You created a beautiful resting place for Mystic and a part of you is there too. 

As the day wore on, we kayaked to Valdez and along the rock cliff shores.  A beautiful hot, sunny birthday.  Deep in our thoughts.  Dinner and birthday cake.  Another memory I’ll hold with me forever. 

I can feel your arms around me, you sitting quietly beside me, your breath blowing gently across me, your strength helping me through each day.  I miss you Jeremy Moon today and every day.  You are the stars and the moon that light up the night sky.  You are the sun that leads me through the day.  You make me laugh and you make me cry.  It’s here that I feel closest to you but you will always be with me.

 

 Happy Birthday.  I love you.

 

Owen wrote:  Happy Birthday.  Missing you Magoo.  Thank you for this wonderful place.  We’re doing our best to make it a nice cabin.  Having fun with neighbours.  Keep a place in your heart for us as we do for you.  'til we meet again.

Happy Mother's day to all of my family and friends.

There are those of us who may be having a more difficult day. Those whose mother's and children are not here. Some of us will not get a phone call today, or be sharing Mother's Day brunch and if we are, we are faking a smile. The house is empty and we feel the pain. It's okay to let go and let the tears fall and at the same time be remembering all of the wonders of our mother and our child. 

 

With love to you - we are not alone.

 

 

left to right:  Nadine, Gar, Karen.  Debbie is in Mom's arms.  Diane isn't born yet.

 

From my husband on Mother's Day

This has been an unusually hard week conjuring up all the memories of my mother and of Jeremy.  Memories of Owen's mother, Mary and Phil's mother, Kathryn.  Memories that bring smiles but also some pain. The ache that they are not here and that I cannot pick up the phone and say hello, or share or laugh, or get and receive a hug. But I remember their laughter, their wisdom, their unconditional love. And today, Owen helps me celebrate in the memories.

This morning, when Owen got up, he handed me this card. I give him 'grief' about buying cards and tell him to write me a note saying something from the heart or make me a card with humour only Owen can muster. And this is what I got. An amazing man, husband, son and super friend to Jeremy.

 

Canadian Commonwealth Day

Something you don’t see or hear very often

Tonight John and Marilyn invited 20 of us Canadian Snowbirders to their home, here in Hidden Springs, to celebrate our friendship with good food and libations.  Apparently it was Canadian Commonwealth Day.  Fortunately I googled it before we went over because we didn’t have a clue what it was.  There is little public awareness of it.  The most descriptive definition I found said “Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March.  Commonwealth Day is the day when Commonwealth countries, which represent a quarter of all humanity, acknowledge their common bonds and the contribution of the Commonwealth of Nations to the creation of a harmonious global environment. The holiday is celebrated with a different theme every year.  The second Monday in March was chosen as Commonwealth Day because it is a day when all schools throughout the Commonwealth are in session. Commonwealth leaders agreed that the day should be used to promote knowledge of the Commonwealth, particularly among the young people of their countries. Since 1977, schools all over the Commonwealth have organized special activities to promote the understanding of the association. Many places hold events such as games, exhibitions and parties. There are folk dancers and displays of national costumes, and parades of national flags. Many children correspond with pen pals from schools in other Commonwealth countries. Such activities are mainly designed to stimulate the children's interest and make learning about the Commonwealth fun.”

Prompted by one of their guests, all of us sang the Canadian National Anthem.  Do you know all of the words?  The Canadian National Anthem was followed by God Bless America which was a patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918.  Shortly after I told a few of the folks standing close by that the American National Anthem is the Star Spangle Banner.  We knew the words and were able to sing it too.

 

Christmas 2012

Christmas decorations on El Paseo
Christmas in the Desert
A different lifestyle

From Owen and Nadine – Our Christmas note 2012

From Desert Hot Springs, the Coachella Valley, Southern California

This year we have decided to send the money it would have cost to make and mail Christmas cards to the Food Bank and Arrowhead (non profit organizations on the Sunshine Coast).  Hence this letter via e-mail.  The written words in Green is Owen sharing his views on the season and the written words in Red is Nadine catching up on 2012.  When you have time, grab a cuppa tea or something stronger and have a read.

Dear Friends and Family,

Well shut my mouth, its Christmas down south.

The Mountains have snow, but not the valley below.

You can buy a Christmas tree down here but a lot of folks decorate their Christmas cactus.  That’s a little too prickly for me.  Lots of Canucks in Southern California golfing.  Too bad they are not playing hockey.  But look at the bright side, there is no Stanley Cup to lose.

Gee whiz, gosh, by golly, it’s Christmas ‘time machine’ time.  Rod Stewart is singing with Ella Fitzgerald.  Michael Buble is singing with Bing Crosby and I’m singing Blue Christmas but not with Elvis.  Too bad.  We’ll go out on our ‘souped’ up golf cart to sing carols with our neighbours.  Guess what?  The Americans know all of the words to our Christmas Carols.  They are pretty clever.  But they still haven’t figured out our Boxing Day.  Better get off the air for now – have a Merry Christmas.

We have had a full year.  We brought in the New Year in Southern California at Hidden Springs in the Club House.  Owen and his friend, Nathan, provided the music.  Lots of dancing and sing a-longs.  About 70 people.  We enjoyed the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January.   Nadine’s highlite in January was going to the Pasadena Rose Bowl parade.

We spent the winter in the Coachella Valley golfing, exercising and doing a lot of visiting.  Friends from home and new made friends; Snowbirds and locals.  Social butterfly’s! 

We drove to Phoenix in February (270 miles) to visit our niece Sara, Matt & Aidan and Nadine’s Uncle Jack & Aunt Pat.   Sister Karen spent two weeks with us and Sister Debbie and our brother-in-law Rocco were here.  Niece Cara came for a short visit too.  Another highlite for Nadine was volunteering at the LaQuinta Art Festival – the 2^nd largest in North America.  She is looking forward to volunteering with them again in 2013. 

We headed home the beginning of April in hopes of an early sunshiny spring.  That was not to be.  But finally in mid July summer struck with a vengeance.  Big improvements on Mystic Manor, Ruxton Island.  A cart path was ‘cut’ to the cabin, lumber and cement were hauled and a new (not yet completed) 400 sq. ft. deck was added.  The cistern is now filling and one of Owen’s first jobs when we return this year will be to get the pump operating.  We now have a propane refrigerator too.  It is wonderful to have friends visit and a big Shout Out to those who lent a helping hand.  Thank You.

Keats Island remains a constant in our lives.  We have a wonderful community of ‘family’ there.  We enjoy everything about the Island.  Potlucks, visitors, swims, boating, music, memories and sunshine.  Owen continues to whittle away at projects.  There is always something that needs fixed and worked on.

Most of the unpleasant weather was spent at our home in Halfmoon Bay.  It’s a great place to ‘hunker down’.  Nadine spent time in her studio and Owen spent time in his shop.  Owen had a few ‘gigs’ on the SC this year too.  They were time consuming but he had fun and when we are home, he continues to make music with his buddies “The Greyful Dead”.  Besides his music, Owen got out sailing with the same buddies and had a 3 day fishing trip.  No fish.

The big news of the year is the birth of our honourary Grandbaby, Luke.  Luke was born June 29^th to Jeremy’s best friend, Mark and his partner, Jennifer.  We both find ways to get into Vancouver to spend time with Luke and they came to the SC for Canadian Thanksgiving.    We are missing him and can only imagine how much he will have grown when we see him in April.  5 months is a long time.

We have enjoyed decent health.  Owen has had hip issues which also cause him knee and back pain.  We are told that one day he will have a hip replacement.  Sooner is better.  As we get older, we get these little aches and pains.  But most of you know that.

We have returned to California for the winter again.  There is a name for us.  Snowbirds. 

New Years.  Let’s see who can last ‘til midnight.  Around here they all pull the plug when they drop the ball in New York.  That’s 9:00 pm PST.   Hopefully we’ll carry on later than 9.  Next is Couch Potatoe time with all of the college bowl games and guess what?  More food!

Don’t make any New Years Resolutions you can’t keep.  Just pick an easy one and recycle it every year.

We keep Jeremy and all of our loved ones, who have passed on, in our hearts during the holiday season and throughout the year.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest and Healthiest of New Years.

Love from Owen and Nadine

 

Mark and Jennifer

Jeremy’s Best Friend
Jeremy had many wonderful friends that he cultivated and shared his life with.  Mark was his Bro’.  Mark was someone that Jeremy played hard with, had long evenings with, laughed, cried and argued with.  They helped each other when they were ‘down’ and perhaps knew each other as well as brothers.

Our friends Mark and Jennifer
Fortunately we have maintained a relationship with Mark.  It wasn’t long after Jeremy died that Mark met Jennifer and not long after that when Mark brought Jennifer to the SC to meet us. 

Visiting Ruxton August 2010
Mark works along side Owen at things that need done around Ruxton.  Finishing the tar papering before the shingles go on and helping install the window,  Jennifer and Nadine share a love for art and work well together in the kitchen.   Mark and Jen arrived for 2 days and stayed 5.  Gotta love it.

Jer’s bro’ Patrick came along too for a few days.  Are we ever fortunate to have these wonderful people in our lives.

Honorary Grandparents 2012

Sometime after Christmas we received an e-mail and then a phone call from Mark telling us that he is going to be a Daddy.  Oh my gosh, did we hear him right?  A new baby.  Due June 24^th. 

We were back in Canada to attend the baby shower in May.  A great gathering on a beautiful sunny day at Jericho Beach.  Owen helped Mark set up and we all did the decorating.  A wonderful group of friends come out to support Mark and Jennifer before their baby boy is born.

We went back into Vancouver the middle of June to pick up the propane fridge and stove that Mark has ‘scored’ for us and the four of us go out for a lovely breakfast.  Jennifer is only 8 days or so from her due date.  Mark and Jen tell us that they’d like us to be their baby boys’ Honorary Grandparents, if it’s something we’d like.  Duh???  We are so excited.

 

Nadine Meets Luke

Jennifer delivered Luke Samuel Derek Chinque on Friday evening, June 29^th at Women’s Hospital on Oak Street in Vancouver.   He weighed 7# 9 oz.  Mark, a midwife and doula were there as Luke slipped into our world somewhere around 9:30 pm.  A perfectly healthy baby boy.

Mark had 'text' early that day to say that Jen was having contractions and that they were certain that today was the day.  Mark called me at 5:30 pm to tell me that Jennifer just called and he was to ‘get home’ to take her to the hospital.  Everything happened pretty quickly after that.   Jennifer was in a delivery tub and altho Luke was delivered in water, he was immediately put on Jen’s belly so Mark could cut the cord and then the baby was given to Mark to hold while Jen (abate shaky) got out of the tub and dried and was put into bed. 

A picture arrived of the 3 of them shortly after.  I love technology (most of the time).  We get photo’s almost daily of the baby. 

Baby Luke went home on Sunday, July 1^st.  We didn’t get to see Luke until Thursday, July 12.  He was already 13 days old.  Owen and I are both infatuated with the little guy.  Okay, maybe I am a little more than Owen, hmmm, maybe not.  Either way, I was able to spend 5 hours hanging out at the house.  Mama even took a wee nap.

Nothing Ever Goes Away

Kath's Weavings

I will miss Kathlyn.  Jer's Grandmother, Phil's Mom and my very dearest friend for well over 40 years.  My passion for weaving dwindled many years ago altho my love of woven items remains strong.  Kathlyn on the other hand began to weave shortly after I did and she never looked back.  She was an accomplished and prolific weaver.  Over the years she made hundreds of rugs, runners, hand towels, dishcloths, placemats, napkins, table clothes, shawls, pieces of yardage, diddy bags and so much more.  She was generous with gifts of woven articles to her family, extended family and friends.  She participated in many arts and crafts shows and fairs.  I have several of her weavings which I will cherish and enjoy.  I brought home another one of Kath's rugs from Phil and a few more hand towels and dishclothes.  They are beautiful and I am blessed to have had known Kathlyn and now to remember her whenever I wrap myself in one of her shawls or step out of bed onto one of her soft rugs, not to mention drying the dishes with one of Kath's delicate linen or cotten towels.  A lady of opinions; well read and knowledgeable.  Idealistic in her politics.   Sharp edges that blurred into kindness and caring.  Scrabble player extraordinaire. 

Gas Prices???

Gas prices are definately fluxuating and not particularly for the good. 

The price war in Victoria was an eye opener.

Best price:  100.9/litre

Average price:  103.9

Nanaimo price (no gas war) 134.9

Sunshine Coast gas prices 141.9 (what's up with that?)

Getting the most out of our weekend on Vancouver Island

Our trip to Vancouver Island was extra special because we got to see some very dear friends in a very short time.  After spending an evening with Glenn and Jodi and a leisurely morning, we headed south down the Island and stopped in Cobble Hill for lunch with Julia, Klaus and Corinna.  Lovely!  And we get to see them on Ruxton next weekend where they  visit us annually (3rd year).  Onto Victoria and a great evening with Phil.  Went to Bubby's Cafe for dinner.  Yummy and excellent value.  Serendipitous was our good timing.  Phil was house sitting on Beach Drive in Oak Bay.  Beautiful old heritage home and right on the water.  We were able to make ourselves at home for our two night stay.  We spent the next morning with Phil, sipping tea and watching the Tour de Victoria pass by with me cheering the riders on between tea refills.  And best of all, the sun is out.

Cheering on the riders.

We drove out to Saanich to visit Clair and Gord.  Since their move to Vancouver Island, their visits to Keats have been few and far between and I have dearly missed them.  We finally got a tour of their mini estate.  Gorgeous home  - complete with pool, hot tub, vineyard, fruit grove, and gardens.  A beer and Gord's homemade quacamole on the patio in sunshine.  Yummm.

Clair and Nadine

On the way home to the House in Oak Bay, we had a late cocktail with my art buddy and good friend, Mary and her husband Don.  They are always so welcoming and such a treat to spend time with, abate such a short visit.

Back for more visiting with Phil and a late dinner. 

Phil with Owen in the background.

Leisurely morning and home on the noon ferry from Swartz Bay.  Drive through Vancouver to HSB, short wait and the ferry back to the Sunshine Coast.  It was a great weekend for sure.

Getting to Ruxton (with the wood), fridge and stove, etc.

The weather has been so dismal in the Pacific Northwest.  Who would think that the longest day of the year has already past us by.  Where is summer?  We have delayed our trip to Ruxton everyday for the past 10 days.  It finally looks like we'll be able to make the sojourn this Wednesday.

Last weekend (June 22nd), we left for Vancouver Island via ferry to take a load of lumber over on the boat trailer to Nanaimo.  The lumber will eventually end up on Ruxton.  It's 2 X 12 X 20 feet long.  It was a great score (only $200) from Steve Willgoose but now the dilema is getting it to Ruxton.  It is on the boat trailer in a friend of Glenn's driveway.  Glenn is then going to help Owen launch the wood and tow it to the Island.

That's us on the lower deck of BC Ferries. 

A mere $285 later, the lumber is in Nanaimo
and the truck back home. 

The lumber excursion is getting even more complex.  We now are going over on Wednesday.  I will take the truck over on the 8:30 am from Langdale.  A mere 40 minute crossing.  I will then get in the line up for the Nanaimo ferry to Departure Bay (Nanaimo, Vancouver Island).  It departs at 10:40 am and with luck, I'll be on it.  Remember it's summer time and the ferry waits can be outrageous.   This ferry crossing is 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Time for a nice leisurely breakfast - ymmm ferry food.  If there is a sailing wait, I will get the next one at 12:50.  I will be toting my art journal and a good book.  The ferry gets in at 2:30 pm.  Next:  I will pick up Owen at Nanaimo Harbour where he will have walked on the ferry from Gabriola.

Owen:  He will leave the house at approximately the same time I do.  7 am (maybe even earlier).  The weather man says it's suppose to be mostly sunny with light winds.  He will leave Gibsons Marina in the Double Eagle (17') and cross the Gulf.  Once he gets to Ruxton, he will use Glenn's floating dock, and Glenn's dinghy, row to the Island and pick up our dinghy and oars.  He will then proceed to empty the boat that is now carrying the plumbing (pump, little tank, hoses, etc.) and some of our gear for the season.  Bedding, clothes, new lights, signs, pillows, chair, and more...   At this point, let's hope he will have sat down, had some lunch and a beverage - a wee rest.  Now Owen will have to get some things together and down to the beach to prepare for the arrival of the wood later in the day and at the right tide (high) at 7:41 pm.  Owen will then jump in the boat (did I say jump?) and head over to Degnan on Gabriola where he will moor the boat and make his way across the Island to the ferry.  Here is when the hitch hiking will take place.  OMG - is this doable?  Hopefully he will be on the 1:50 pm or maybe even the 3:10 ferry.  The trip is only 25 minutes.  Maybe only 20.

This is where I pick him up.  And there is more.

We then drive to Mike and Mary's in Nanoose Bay.  I get dropped off and Owen and Mike go to meet Glenn at the boat trailer that is hauling the wood.  They will drive it to Boat Harbour (south of Nanaimo) and the three of them will 'launch' the bundle of wood and tow it to Ruxton with Glenn's boat (bigger and more powerful than ours).  This is all happening about 6 pm.  Once at Ruxton, they will tie the lumber to a tree at Hawaii Beach, the tide will go out and it will sit for the night.  Hopefully they will be done and home before dark.  Home means Mike and Mary's for the night.  All going well, Owen and I (and maybe Mike) will leave for Ruxton in the morning.  Low tide is at 12:15 pm, so 2'ish should be a perfect time to get the lumber up off the beach.  We can then take our time getting it to up to Mystic Manor.

I didn't mention the truck will be carrying the 'new to us' propane refrigerator and stove, provisions and many more other odds and sods.  They will have to be loaded into the boat at Degnan Bay and we won't be able to get them out of the boat until the tide comes up again in the evening.

A full couple of days - I'm exhausted just writing about it and so when I speak of exhausted, I speak of Owen.

For Today and Everyday

Ken's Coptic Bound Book 9" X 12"

Ken's Coptic Bound Book 9" X 12"

Ken H. came into the studio a couple of weeks ago not knowing what to expect.  He had made spalded wood book covers and wanted to make a book.  After some discussion, we chose the coptic bound book for his first ever 'book arts' project.  Hmmm, big project for a newbie.  He chose the signature parent sheets and with instruction proceeded to 'tear down' the signatures to the desired size.   He also decided he wanted a decorative paper to wrap around each signature.  We made a template and Ken punched the holes.  That pretty well did Ken 'in' for the day.  After he left, I quickly made covers for two much smaller books so that I could practice sewing one of the books (I was a little rusty).  And the other book would be my 'how to' for Ken to view.  Ken returned the next day with Cindy and Voila!, didn't he do an awesome job?   Now both Ken and Cindy have been to Vancouver to my favorite art stores and are going to make more books but I have told them one more afternoon in the studio and I am 'cutting them loose' with the printed instructions and they are on their own.

The Steps

Goodnite Moon

Thinking of Jeremy Moon tonight ~

the night of the June full moon. 

'self portrait'

unpredictable

A girlfriend posted today "it must be summer.... the rain is warmer...."
Is that a positive attitude about Pacific Northwest weather or what?
And here is a conundrum: is the rain unpredictable or predictable?

This and That

 Quiche

Smoked Salmon with Roasted Capers

Asparagus, Bacon and Onion

Raclette

Why we love Vancouver.

100's of cards that I have sent my Mom over the years.
I have finally sorted them and
I'll recyle as many as I can. 
There were feel good moments as I browsed and read.

Mothers

Reflecting on 'Mother'

I am a mother.
I have a mother, I have a son.
I have had a mother, I have had a son.

On Sunday, Mother's Day, I realized that I am all of the above.  I was able to think how fortunate I am to be able to have had an awesome mother.  We had so much fun together and a ton of laughs.  Owen and I recently listened to Stuart McLean on his program the Vinyl Cafe.  He told the story of Dave taking Mrs. Turlington's brand new Lexus through the car wash.  It brought back the memory of Mom and I going through the car wash and (I know this is one of those stories where you'd had to have been there) but I started making the swishing/swooshing - water spraying sounds of the car wash... and we laughed so hard I had to take Mom home to change.  One of many....  I wasn't an easy kid and she put up with a lot but then so did I! After my teen years, I told Mom everything; she always listened, she sometimes gave great advice and most times she just let me talk.  And yes, she did scold and she had 'fire in her eyes' when she wasn't happy with me.  She played tricks on me too. 

Jeremy brought me all of the things a son gives to their mother.  Love, laughter, joy, worry and tears.  I was so proud of his ability to touch the hearts of young and old.  He was able to find beauty and love in everything.  I was thinking what I missed the most.  I miss having our frequent chats; where we would share the days events, seek solace, advice, and comfort.  Always with the compassion a mother and son, without speaking, can convey.  Today, when I have a puzzle I can't solve, a life situation that I am struggling with, I think, "what would Jeremy tell me to help me?" 

Jeremy, you were wise beyond your years.

I believe in destiny and I think it was your time to move on and to solve some of the questions you needed answered.

You are with me always.

Flora Wong - Long Way Home

How to begin.  Ahh, two hours later, and trying to put this story into something that makes sense.  So here goes.

Brief synopis:  I spent my very early childhood in Helena, Montana with my mother Donna and my father Gar Wong.  As a young family, there was Mom, Dad, me, my sister Karen, brother Gar and my baby sister Debbie.  It was brief.  Karen and I were swept off to LaCrosse, Wisconsin where we went to school and grew up with my Mom and stepfather, Tilford Sebion.  As a kid, I spent many of my summers in Helena and when my grandmother was ill, I got to spend part of a school year in Helena (I was probably 7 or 8).  I have some colourful and vivid memories of that time.  Let me interject, because it's my story, and I can.  Gar and Debbie didn't come to LaCrosse with us.  We were separated and they were brought up by my father and his wife, Helen.  Mom and Tilford had a daughter, Diane, and the three of us sisters, Karen, Diane and myself reached our teen years in the rolling hills of Wisconsin.

Helena 1940's - 1960's:  Dad had a restaurant (Gar's Cafe) when I was really little.  I have vague memories of it.  Shortly after Mom took us to Wisconsin, Dad took his family to Seattle.  Debbie has memories as a young girl returning to Helena to visit our Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Don.  Karen and I use to go and visit our Grandparents too.  Our paths never crossed.  Some of the details of those visits were playing with our cousins.  Uncle Charlie and Aunt Flora's daughters and son (5 in total), and Uncle Freddy and Aunt Ella's boys and girls (6 in total).  My memories include playing next to Yatson's, my Uncle Freddy's restauant, and stopping at Wing Shing's, my Uncle Charlie's Grocery store for penny candy.  And one of my fondest memories was my Aunt Flora's Hum Bow (Chinese Dim Sum), that she would make for special occassions in the back of Wing Shing's.  Last Chance Gultch was the busy main street of Helena and it was at the end of Last Chance that a Chinese community survived for decades.  Playing with the kids, eating many of our meals at either Uncle Freddy's or Uncle Jerry's, House of Wong, are fond memories I cherish.

Present Day:  When we returned from CA at the beginning of the month, my sister Debbie gave me an early birthday present.  A book, Long Way Home by Flora Wong.  It has been 45 years since I left Helena and lost contact with Flora Wong and her family.  The last clear memory I have was at my Uncle Charlie's funeral in 1968 (I was 19).  My cousin Bessie was my age and their youngest, Nancy, was only 12.  Owen and I have visited Helena and had a chance to reconnect with Uncle Jerry, Uncle Fred (prior to his death) and my Aunt Ella and their kids, but we did not see Aunt Flora or her children.  So you can imagine my surprise and delight when Debbie gave me the book and then told me there was going to be a book event that Aunt Flora, Nancy and Nancy husband Tom (co author of the book) were going to be at in Tacoma.  AND we were invited to lunch at Nancy's prior to the event. 

Meeting:  I drove back to Seattle the middle of the month and on April 18th, we went to Tacoma and were welcomed graciously into Nancy and Tom's home.  What a great connection we have made.  Nancy, Tom and Aunt Flora were so very gracious.  We immediately felt at home.  Memories of my childhood came flooding back.  There is something very special about a Wong connection...  they will always take care of one another and will always welcome you with open arms; you will always be family.  AND, as lunch was being prepared in the kitchen, a familiar smell of hum bow overtook my senses.  Yep, for lunch, we were served hum bow and wonton soup.  Deb and I exchanged glances and smiles and then we were all smiling and laughing, knowing that it was our families that shared and now share again these small, and yet huge, familiarities.  Chop sticks clacked and soup slurping commenced.  Well not really quite like that, but it could have...

Aunt Flora's book is amazing.  It's her story and she writes of being born in Boston and leaving when she was 7 years old to return to China with her family.  It was 1936.  Not a good time for her parents to take their family back to Lin Fong Lei Village.  The Chinese Communists were beginning to revolt and in 1937 Japan began it's invasion into China.   The book tells of Aunt Flora's life as a child in China and her Mother's dedication in the late 40's to return her children to safety in the United States.   A difficult and bittersweet story to write. 

My Aunt Flora had a grade 2 education when she returned to the United States.  Today she, with the her son-in-law, Tom Decker have written her story.  My Aunt took swimming lessons with her children while they were growing up, tap danced with Thel (her #3 daughter), and at the urging of Poy, competed in her first running race in 1989 and ran her first marathon in 1991.  As a swimmer and runner, she has competed in many athletic events and has 632 medals to date.  And she is not done! 

Front Row:  Aunt Flora (Mom Wong)

Second Row:  Bess, Gloria, Thel and Nancy

Back Row:  Poy's Wife, Mischief, Poy and friend, Nancy

My immediate family have stories too but unfortunately with Mom and Dad now gone the real story has gone with them.  Mom, particularly had repressed some of her stories and then some of them, she had probably embellished and others forgotten.  But we have gleaned a sense of what her life was like back then.  We are hoping with some of Aunt Flora's story and with Nancy's help, we might be able to piece together a time line and a clearer story of our own.

My Dad, circa 1950's?

That's Debbie in Mom's arms.  From left to right:  Nadine, Gar, Karen