San Francisco Treat

Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. 

You want to linger as long as possible. —Walter Cronkite

Mark and Leah were thrilled to be invited to San Francisco to assist in a properly indulgent celebration of David and Judy’s anniversary.  Wandering this distinctive city in many ways felt like visiting an old sweetheart— the hilly streets, rattle of the cable cars, bustle in Union Square and bridge lined vistas, all brought back fond memories and reminded us of forgotten corners of our hearts. 

For Leah, the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge reminded her of being a little girl with Laura Ingalls braids, traveling into the city for a Giants game, trip to Pier 39 or a walk through China Town.  For Mark, it was a chance to reflect and honor the graduation ceremony he was never able to attend for his Doctorate of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary (thanks for being Super Dad while you had a radioactive wife). For both of us, the city brought back our carefree adventures pre-kids and our first getaway post-Ben that resulted in bringing home a little sister as a souvenir. It was wonderful to linger over all these memories and make some new ones too—the only souvenir we brought home this time was a shot glass!  

David and Judy have been our dearest friends for over a decade, we have taken multiple trips with them, stayed at their house for weeks on end and had them visit us more times than we can count— in other words, they are family. We always feel at home together and are never at a loss for words (except maybe when we all have our heads down checking iphones, laptops, etc.). It was a perfect mix of relaxation, activity, laughter, delicious food, wine, chocolate and good conversation.  We flew home refreshed, renewed and ready to see our babies. 

Ben and Clara stayed with Lynda, our true Southern lady sweetheart (tough and tender in equal measure). Lynda helped out in the months after Leah’s surgeries and such, becoming part of the family.  The kids loved their time at Nana Nemo’s, the name toddler Ben gave her long ago after she cuddled up and watched Finding Nemo with him one rainy day. They came home with chubby cheeks (“Nemo gives us lots of treats”), impeccable manners and a little more drawl in those squeaky voices. 

Our favorite kid report came from CMO, the kids' preschool. In chapel they were discussing the Ten Commandments and got to the part of do not kill; saying that is an easy one, we aren’t supposed to kill anyone. Clara stood up and said very seriously, “Except, you can kill Storm Troopers.” Leah thought this signaled Star Wars overload, while Mark on the other hand, proudly exclaimed, “It’s a just war theory!” 

Thank you David and Judy, for being a model of marriage, for your generosity and faithful friendship and for sending us home with a stash of Peet’s coffee. Thank you San Francisco, for allowing us to linger in your special magic, one more time.