I flew to the states in time to throw a party for my daughter, who has spent the summer meandering about the states going to conferences, completing internships, and visiting friends. The fact that so many years have passed since her birth is completely baffling; the fact that she is an autonomous adult who can travel on her own is beyond my understanding. That tiny little baby has grown up into a person I admire and enjoy, with a quick and scorching wit and blazing intellect. She is funny, smart, and strong. I feel privileged to be her friend.
The party was at our old house, currently home to Gabriel and Danielle and their brood of children. It was also Gabriel’s birthday so a parade of friends new and old sauntered through the house on what was the most punishingly hot day I have ever experienced in Portland.
Trish showed up from Ohio, and Gordon from SF, along with the usual crew of beloved local characters. A neighbor provided a gift that allowed everyone to survive: a structure dubbed The Mistery.
Nicole arranged for the most genius birthday present for my daughter: a personal phone call from Harry and the Potters.
The visit was short, only three days, and packed to bursting with visits to the zoo and OMSI and the other childhood haunts of my son, who reverted to his standard Portland uniform of a shirt and tie (though I vetoed the blazer given the record heat wave).
The endlessly entertaining Anna Ruby joined us for lunch:
We hung out with Sara, and visited Michelle, and I felt a pang of longing over Skanky Volvo (even though the car has not been operational in years). I bought this car with the advance from my first book:
Later we found ourselves in the yard at 19th Street, talking and laughing with Marisa, Jody, EB, AR, Stevie, Hope, and STS. To say that the visit was bittersweet would be an understatement; I miss my friends quite thoroughly even as my desire to travel grows.
After we said goodbye and walked away Stevie shouted I love you and we chorused our love back at her.
On the way out of town we drove around looking at the houses and schools that once had importance in our lives.