It has been an amazing journey with almost 5,000 miles and 22 destinations and counting. 6 destinations ago we entered California in the desert. I spent my first years in the Mojave so it was fitting that my return to California after 45 years (except for some vacations) begin there. My sense is of a background familiarity that precedes memory. The coastal hills, the mountains, the beaches, the Valley, all have changed but also have qualities that seem more eternal. Of course, our time with my sisters Mary and Karen and their husbands Kelly and Scotty brought back that feeling of home so long ago. They are doing so well, and we had such a wonderful time with them. Our common memories connect us even if our uncommon memories (I am sure I did not do that to my sister!) can unsettle! Even with our differences, and because of them, I feel closer to Mary and Karen. The relationships with my sisters will be the longest I will have.
After visiting Karen and Scotty we made a trip through the coast mountains to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery where Mom and Dad’s ashes are interred. It was a beautiful afternoon with a breeze and sun and clouds. The stones are, of course, identical except for the etchings on the sides. Their symmetry and lines reveal the deeply caring work of those who set them. At points they stretch to the horizon. There is a community in the uncountable number, the shared experience of having known such honorable men and women and loved them. But there is a contradiction that such seemingly identical stones set so perfectly in this beautiful place should bring out Mom and Dad’s unique individuality. Their presence is felt. Ghosts still touching our souls.
And now we move further north through the cathedrals of the Coast Redwoods to the wild rocky Oregon coast to family awaiting.
Bob
Freebird Journey 
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