Today I left my aunt’s house and headed for the town where my parent’s were born and raised. I had been in contact with the museum there about donating some of my treasures. They were my first stop. The young woman who I had been in contact with appreciated the historical items. We talked about my parents’ family history and she helped me to locate the bakery that belonged to my grandfather. Ironically, she lived only a block away. On my way there, I drove past the college that my father attended and imagined him there. I found the bakery building easily and took some photos. It was used only for making the baked goods which were decorated and sold at the store not too far away. There was someone inside and I imagined my grandfather making bread with his bakers and my mother and the family living in the upper level. I figured I had to try out their treats so I headed over to their store. On the way there, I passed the small airport and imagined my grandfather, aunt, and others lining the runway with their vehicles and headlights at night for the airplanes to land. I chatted with the people at the bakery which was called “Tamaras”. They enjoyed hearing about the history of their bakery. Their baked goods were yummy, but I missed the anise cookies that my grandfather used to make. Then I spent the afternoon with another cousin. We shared the struggles of our caregiving experiences. Her mother died only a few months after my father. She got out some old photos and I got out mine. We reminisced and learned new things about the family. This trip is proving to be full of memories – past and present, planned and unexpected.

I Found God today in many wonderful memories.