Just a train ride away
spanning family Part 4
Sending big thanks to my readers who have embraced this story sending back the kindest of comments. Also offering gratitude for my
cohort family and Keri Franklin at in particular for helping me rename this series. It had become a bit muddled. For anyone who needs to catch up, you can start here.I’m currently listening to 'Resilient' by Rising Appalachia, a song that resonates with me on a deep level. The lyrics and melody speak to my experiences and emotions. I’ll share the words I find most poignant with regard to this story in single spacing.
Something humorous happens from day one; Rick begins what will be a habit of sorts until long after we leave Portland— calling RuthAnn “Ruth” instead of her preferred name, RuthAnn. She corrects him with kindness and a smile the first few times, sharing that she’s never cared for the name Ruth. It happens so many times that I can’t even believe it.
Honey, it’s RuthAnn!
We have a full day on Friday to spend with RuthAnn; she has more ideas than we have time for. We choose to visit Washington Park in Portland.
Hundreds of rose bushes will open their petals to the sky likely a few days after our visit; nonetheless we delight in wandering through the meticulously tended gardens appreciating the rhododendrons that are in full bloom along with the few rose bushes that oblige us by displaying their first blossoms of the season. We relax on one of the benches provided and enjoy the sights.
Enjoying the car ride through the neighboring streets of Portland, we head back to Lake Oswego to walk along the Willamette River. The weather is mild and the sun dances on the water. Very few people are on the pathway with us. I try to visualize the views from inside the prominent homes we pass by and consider different perspectives. Following the walk, we head to Bamboo Sushi Restaurant; RuthAnn has been very excited to take us here.
The 'name issue' is a recurring theme throughout the day, and continues during dinner. A system develops; Rick and I are good at working things out. As the name Ruth hangs mid air without its lovely counterpart Ann , I blurt out
ANN.
Rick shakes his head, at a loss to explain his block. We all find humor in his faux pas.
RuthAnn.
The food at Bamboo Sushi is, in a word, scrumptious. We are instant fans. We eat, and talk, and joke like we’ve been doing this for years.
I'm made of thunder I'm made of lightning I'm made of dirt (yeah) Made of the fine things My father taught me that I'm a speck of dust And this world was made for me So let's go and try our luck I got my roots down, down, down, down Down, down, down, down, down, deep I got my roots down, down, down, down Down, down, down, down, down, deep
After dinner, we head next door to Salt & Straw Ice Cream for dessert. The names of the flavors leave us giddy, as does the ice cream.
We return to RuthAnn’s home completely satiated, emotionally and physically.
Her new outdoor rocking chairs have arrived. Rick asks where her tools are. Within minutes, he is on the deck assembling the lovely black rockers. One might accuse him of paying penance for the name blunder. But anyone who knows Rick, born into a third generation hardware store in San Francisco, knows he’s always one to lend a helping hand with anything that needs fixin’.
RuthAnn and I relax quietly in the living room on our computers with the glass doors open, there for Rick if he needs anything. The grove of trees outside sway in the gentle breeze, along with our spirits.
An hour later, we are breaking in the new chairs, a glass of wine for me, a whiskey for Rick, and a port for RuthAnn. We have put away our cares as the day closes. RuthAnn manages to smile when Rick calls her Ruth. He’s clearly growing on her, even if he can’t remember her preferred name.
Tomorrow, we will leave RuthAnn some free time to attend to her family and work while we venture to a sweet little tea shop in Portland to reunite with my sister and her family, Part 5.
July marks my two-year anniversary on Substack. If I’ve found my way into your preferred weekly reading, I’d appreciate your consideration of upgrading to a paid subscription. You can do that here. Thanks for being here regardless of your subscription status. Cheers to another two years.
I'm really enjoying this series, Sue - I'd been looking forward to this latest chapter! A great read, as always. 😊 And gosh - two years on Substack - that's brilliant! Happy anniversary!
A delightful read, Sue. What a lovely adventure for you all. Your dear Rick - I've had one of those name blocks before and totally relate.