We the Family

St. Louis – the proverbial “show-me state,” and part of my roots brought me more insights than just visual pleasures this trip. My aunt and uncle, as well as one cousin still reside in this fair city.  These two lovely folks are the most hospitable individuals you can find west of the Mississippi River.

 “Wait….we are heading that way and would love to come see everyone,” said my one cousin. 

“We could route our road trip to include St. Louis.  It would be nice to see my friend there.  Plus, we can hook-up with you all and see the family,” said my sister.

“Well, if you’re going, I need to go, too!” I said.

How do all great parties get started?  A desire to be not left out of the fun! Turns out this unplanned, impromptu summer family reunion lent itself to be a perfectly timed gathering of love and support, much needed.

Upon my arrival I received the best gift – a hug from my mother.  From that point on the love just kept rolling in. Dylan, crashed out from the full day out exploring this city (apparently every day he was so worn-out that he needed an afternoon nap to keep up with my mother’s go-go-go spirit) woke up and gave me a warm hug and an ear-to-ear smile. Chasing fireflies in the evening and listening to the birds in the morning brought more joys to my senses.  These experiences whisked me away to a time long ago.  A place in my mind where I imagined my grandmother and grandfather spinning stories and sharing experiences, which now seemed to be evident in the expressions of my uncle and the phrases of my mother.  Lapping up this weekend my mind began compiling the many ways I was witnessing our definition of family come to life: 

·      We welcome each other with hugs, play on the water:  this time we paddled down the Huzzah River and shared a bunch of great “grub” and giggles while showing children how to skip rocks across the water. 

·      We visit historical venues like the “Arch” and the “MUNY” all the while teaching and sharing history alongside of beauty and innovation. 

·      We connect with dear friends in unique lunch venues like “Blueberry Hill” in the quaint “Delmar Loop” area. 

·      We forgive each other for accidents that cost dearly and, yet, prove that life has it’s own starting and ending timetable. 

·      Finally, we enjoy nature, music, and artwork by soaking in the sites around the 79-acres “Missouri Botanical Gardens” and seeing all many ways in which residents are rewarded for their loyalty through free entrance to many educational venues (the Science Center, Zoo, and others). 

·      Most of all, we take good care of each other – we offer our car when one member comes from out of town and needs a ride, we take the extra effort to go and meet up with family even when we have to add hours to our long drives, and we provide places and avenues for children to play, connect, and develop. 

Saint Louis the 14^th of France once owned a large plot of land, which Thomas Jefferson, a Unitarian Universalist, saw fit to not only purchase when it abruptly up for sale by Napoleon, but also have Lewis and Clark explore it.  One of my favorite spots in this terrain is the Missouri Botanical Gardens – all 79 acres of it!

“Wow!  This place is almost four city blocks of beauty,” I said.

“Yes, it used to be called “Shaw’s Garden” because all of the land was donated by Henry Shaw.  His vision was to have a public park, and it was the first of it’s kind, and size, during the day.  Most individuals had to be very wealthy to be allowed the privilege of a garden,” said Mary Lou (the Docent who toured us around the property). 

“I really like the Japanese gardens,” said Garrett.

“Me, too.  The Ottoman garden was refreshing with all that fruit and delights for the senses; however, it seems like the Japanese garden is more calming and peaceful,” I replied.

“You know, I really like the Koi fish, too,” Garrett added to his thought.

With lotus flowers in full bloom, which only last one week, and were the size of my head, it made sense that there was a draw to this area of the property.  Actually, it is almost impossible to figure out which one of the many gardens I could say was my favorite.  It was fascinating to find such a large daylily garden, with so many varied colors and hybrids.  Mostly, it was the addition of the Chihuly blown glass popping up around the grounds, which brought me true joy.  Something in the blending of natural art with man-made art truly brought out a sense of honor being a former resident of the state.  In some ways that metaphor was blended with all of our experiences.

“The MUNY” is a national treasure and is the world’s largest outdoor theater space.  “Tarzan” was the perfect show for this summer series of musicals.  The main character seemed in his element soaring above the crowds with an open sky, loincloth and all!   Plus, the multitude of children out from school for the summer, which filled the ensemble, added a beautiful dynamic of the generations following the footsteps of their families who loved art and artistic expression.  I think my mouth dropped a few times when I realized the “young” Tarzan was a nine-year-old boy who had been with the theater since age 7.  He was a showstopper, for sure!  The weather was simply perfect and breezy providing a natural backdrop of not a care in the world or a worry for comfort in body and spirit.

Jake, the new sweet Lhasa Apso and guard dog of my uncle and aunt’s home, was delightful – bubbly, soft, and obedient.  His personality was a welcome treat because we had just been through some tough 24 hours unexpectedly losing our female Shih Tzu, Tulip.   Bright and full of personality, he sure brought a smile to everyone’s face. 

We left St. Louis around similar ages, yet one can never know.  While leaving the city, today, I realized – somewhat like Tarzan – I now know where I come from, but also know that I have what I need at home.  It is okay to cleave to a new family, and start one’s own pathway to build a new family.  Plus, it’s really fun to have experiences with the many individuals (or apes) in life, because they are loyal, playful, and harmonious – just like me.