Mom, Dad, and Susie all met as teens at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Susie married Bob shortly before Mom and Dad married. Kids were born. Bob, Susie, Sarah, and Charlie lived in Orinda. We lived in Larkspur. Beginning in 1967, we’d all spend a week at Drakesbad and then go off for a week of backpacking in the Sierras or Southern Cascades. Our “starter friends”, Sarah and Charlie, and their families continue to join us every other year at Drakesbad (until the pandemic in 2020 and wildfires of 2021). Our kids have grown up with their kids, and we look forward to seeing as many as can make it to California for our annual hike in May. We’ve shared the great joys of weddings, and births, and yes, the unfathomable anguish of the loss recently of Charlie’s son, Ryan (the paramedic aboard the CareFlight plane that crashed in Nevada), a new father himself. Our granddaughter will be playing with Charlie’s grandson at Drakesbad next year -- a fourth generation. Starter friends became longtime friends -- closer than family, really.
So wonderful that you have had these lifetime starter friends, Pam. They are the first circle of our 'chosen family', as they blur the lines right from the beginning. And very sorry to hear about the loss of Ryan. What a sorrow for you all. ❤️
That is such a beautiful picture of you at the wedding!
As usual, your post is very timely. I've been thinking about friendships too in the past few days but with ages and generations going up, not down. One of my mother's closest friends, a friend since UC Berkeley days, died yesterday. She was 95.
About eight years ago, my mother introduced me to Julia because of our mutual interest in writing, genealogogy, German Jews in the US, and Chicago. Julia became a beloved friend of mine and I became almost like another daughter to her. She and I shared by email over those eight years essays, ideas, and biographical resources. On the phone three or four times a year, we talked about family, children, motherhood, careers, disappointments, divorce, death, and forgiveness often in a deeper, more vulnerable way than I discussed those issues with my mother. Julia became in inspiration, mentor, teacher, and guide in life as well as genealogy matters. I shed quite a few tears yesterday at the news of her death.
I was going to meet Julia's daughter in Madrid next week when she and her husband finished a bike trip. They cancelled the adventure because Julia was declining quickly. In those communications and my farewell with love message to Julia, I've made another friend with whom I already share a deep bond without even laying eyes on her. Julia was delighted that her daughter and I were going to meet at last.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Julia. What a treasure of memories you have from that time you had together! And how amazing indeed that out of your wonderful time with Julia you gain another treasured soul, her beloved daughter. That IS really beautiful! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks for reading and commenting as always Rebecca! I think seeing the sun this past week made me positively giddy with warm feelings and they ran all over my writing. Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Such a delight, Sabrina - I particularly love the joyful pictures! The words though, are so special - I love how you've linked these two themes.
Mom, Dad, and Susie all met as teens at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Susie married Bob shortly before Mom and Dad married. Kids were born. Bob, Susie, Sarah, and Charlie lived in Orinda. We lived in Larkspur. Beginning in 1967, we’d all spend a week at Drakesbad and then go off for a week of backpacking in the Sierras or Southern Cascades. Our “starter friends”, Sarah and Charlie, and their families continue to join us every other year at Drakesbad (until the pandemic in 2020 and wildfires of 2021). Our kids have grown up with their kids, and we look forward to seeing as many as can make it to California for our annual hike in May. We’ve shared the great joys of weddings, and births, and yes, the unfathomable anguish of the loss recently of Charlie’s son, Ryan (the paramedic aboard the CareFlight plane that crashed in Nevada), a new father himself. Our granddaughter will be playing with Charlie’s grandson at Drakesbad next year -- a fourth generation. Starter friends became longtime friends -- closer than family, really.
So wonderful that you have had these lifetime starter friends, Pam. They are the first circle of our 'chosen family', as they blur the lines right from the beginning. And very sorry to hear about the loss of Ryan. What a sorrow for you all. ❤️
The most beautiful photo of you Sabrina! And I love Pete’s dancing too!
We all enjoyed Pete's dancing! ;)
That is such a beautiful picture of you at the wedding!
As usual, your post is very timely. I've been thinking about friendships too in the past few days but with ages and generations going up, not down. One of my mother's closest friends, a friend since UC Berkeley days, died yesterday. She was 95.
About eight years ago, my mother introduced me to Julia because of our mutual interest in writing, genealogogy, German Jews in the US, and Chicago. Julia became a beloved friend of mine and I became almost like another daughter to her. She and I shared by email over those eight years essays, ideas, and biographical resources. On the phone three or four times a year, we talked about family, children, motherhood, careers, disappointments, divorce, death, and forgiveness often in a deeper, more vulnerable way than I discussed those issues with my mother. Julia became in inspiration, mentor, teacher, and guide in life as well as genealogy matters. I shed quite a few tears yesterday at the news of her death.
I was going to meet Julia's daughter in Madrid next week when she and her husband finished a bike trip. They cancelled the adventure because Julia was declining quickly. In those communications and my farewell with love message to Julia, I've made another friend with whom I already share a deep bond without even laying eyes on her. Julia was delighted that her daughter and I were going to meet at last.
It works both ways. How beautiful is that!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Julia. What a treasure of memories you have from that time you had together! And how amazing indeed that out of your wonderful time with Julia you gain another treasured soul, her beloved daughter. That IS really beautiful! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks for reading and commenting as always Rebecca! I think seeing the sun this past week made me positively giddy with warm feelings and they ran all over my writing. Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!