So I headed off to Washington, DC, for staging, pausing to spend a precious couple of days with my sisters, Kim and Christi, Brother-in-Law Bob, nephews and nieces, and my parents. I only had one full day, really, so I tried to make it really count. My dad loaned me his brand new car, and my sister Kim and I bundled up Mom, got her into the front seat and her wheelchair in the trunk, and took off for an adventure. It was a brisk, beautifully bright morning in the 40s, and there was a bit of a wind coming in off of the Tidal Basin. We parked, got Mom in her chair, tucked a blanket around her legs and headed off to the new MLK, Jr. Memorial. Though we'd hoped our positive thoughts would change it, the fact remained that the cherry blossoms, though on the verge of popping out, were clamped decidedly shut with the rare exception of probably two branches. We came upon the FDR Memorial by surprise, none of us having realized where in the District it was. Lots of loud waterfalls, lots of quotes from his four terms in office...I'll tell you, we have had some great men holding the office of President of this country. Not many, but some really incredible ones among the few.
Because it was so brisk and Mom kind of immobile in her chair, we headed back to the car rather quickly. Having successfully driven straight to the Tidal Basin after who knows how many years away from DC, I was feeling a bit cocky and decided to try to find the staging hotel while we were in the vicinity. It only took one wrong turn (and a right, another right and another right again) to get me to say, "hmm...maybe this wasn't such a bright idea." I followed the sign to get on 395 South, and lo and behold, my hotel popped up directly in front of the car!! It was miraculous! And if anyone other than my mother and sister been in the car, I would have insisted I'd known exactly where I was going all along.
Headed back down the GW Parkway, I talked my Mom into consenting to go to Mount Vernon for a light lunch of their signature peanut and ginger soup. There was really very little protest, since, after all, I was the one driving. But I would have turned around if she HAD protested. I'm not that mean. It took several attempts, but at the third (and final) parking area at MV, we finally located a handicapped parking space and got into the restaurant. Lucky us! Only a 40-minute wait!!
It was so worth it.
Keep posting. I'm following you vicariously! BTW, my posting name may be deceiving. My best to you as always, Evelyn
ReplyDeleteThe visit was short but it was worth seeing your smile and watch the excitment in your eyes and hear the anticipation in your voice. I hope your trip was uneventful and that you're settling in okay.
ReplyDeleteYou will leave such a positive influence on those you come in contact with and they will have the same affect on you. Bob