Winding Down
It is hard to believe that almost a month has gone by since I arrived in Gainesville! Tomorrow I fly home! Each day has had something special even when we did not go anywhere but enjoyed being together and feeling surrounded by love.
Last night, we went to a restaurant called 706 in Gainesville and had a super dinner. It was Jazz Night and we enjoyed the music while we ate. Wonderful to be with Wes and Deb – they made a toast to my visit and I made one to them. Deb chose a truly wonderful wine; I had great salmon dinner. It was a lovely way to wind down.
Wes started the morning with a meeting. He and Deb left before I got up but he left a note that he would be back before lunch or call. Last night as Leila and I had a chance to chat, she mentioned that she would be very happy if I were to have lunch with her at school. Parents can join their children for lunch any day; just have to check in and wear a visitor badge. When I called Wes to tell him about the lunch, he said he would come right away; I had to make sandwiches, pack corn chips and tiny raw carrots and put iced tea in carrying cups for us and as soon as he arrived we left. We arrived just as Leila’s class walked to the lunch area and Leila walked with Wes and me. Malik eats earlier so no way we could join him but his dad did. Malik passed us on his way back to class and flashed a big smile and I yelled hello to him. The children are allowed two guests when parents visit so Leila chose to girls and they giggled and talked as we ate. I took my camera and got pictures of the three of them.
Leila having lunch with friends
Then a teacher who has been at P.K. Yonge since Claire and Matt there (and probably before) came out toward the picnic table where we sat to eat. Mr. Dodge was wearing a red tee shirt with the words “Mr. Wonderful” on the front and I asked for a picture with him. I had hoped he would stand beside me as he is over six feet tall, but he crouched down between Leila and me (that was fine.)
Leila, Mr. Dodge and Grandma Jo at lunch
Leila was so cute and we hugged when she went back to class.
Wes stopped for bird seed; went to French Bakery, and then to a specialty shop where we met a friend from his neighborhood — Deidre – and we had such a nice talk as Wes told her all about my blog and what I am learning.
We had to return for Wes to attend an online meeting and while he was on the computer, I started to pack. He then printed boarding passes for me.
Malik and Leila