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| Anne and her mom Ellen in Drammen |
My life has been rich by any measure. My parents provided for all six of us siblings. I grew up in the American west, had the opportunity to live for two years overseas, worked a job where my job was helping people ask questions about life and meaning and purpose, was blessed with a daughter, have had the privilege to travel, and now I am here.
Today Anne has taken me to her parents' home in Drammen on this my birthday. Born in Denver, I now find myself in this small Norwegian harbor town. I asked Anne if we could do this. I was here 30 years ago to visit her, experienced hospitality from her parents then and again today. Arne and Ellen have prepared a midday meal for us, a typical Norwegian spread of meats, cheeses, breads, fish paste, coffee, tea. I try it all except for the goat cheese.
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| The set table |
After our meal and time with the Pettersens, we leave for the city center of Drammen, to meet one of Anne's friends. While we wait to meet her, Anne shows me the city's center, including this piece of art near the new city library, a sphere which reflects back, in distorted but beautiful fashion, a bit of who we are.
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| Reflection |
Darkness descends early at this latitude and we head back to Oslo, 30 minutes away for a simple birthday dinner, just the way I like it, simple. Anne is a happy woman, perhaps the happiest woman I have known and that in itself was reason enough to come visit. Of course that is not the only reason. Her birthday, too, was 12 days earlier. She is also 60 and like Emma, a single child.
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| Happy Birthday(s) |
So the journey does continue. Its all gift. Who knows what the future holds? Its hard enough to discern what the past holds and hides.
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