The scrapbook

As you both know, Ted and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary on May 10th. Wow- 5 years, 3 states, and a thousand memories to cherish.

I remember talking to Mom about this upcoming trip and the fact that I wish you guys were coming along with Ted and I to St. John. Who normally would want their parents on their 5 year anniversary trip? Yep, that was me, I did! Sorry Ted. You prefer cruises though, and we talked about a possible Villa rental next year, with the family...I was planning to get the Close's to come too- I have my ways of persuasion. I loved your spirit of adventure, and your willingness to go anywhere and do anything, with the people you enjoy the most. I could call you up two weeks before and say, "hey I have a race in Nashville, let's take a trip down there". Before you knew it, we had a hotel and the three of us had a wonderful weekend, while Ted stayed back with Gracie. Dad was so bummed to find out Ted wasn't going. We still managed, to have a really good time together.

One of my most fond vacation memories is the cruise we took together in 2004, as shown above. Ted and Dad got hand rolled cigars in Jamaica. Mom, Aunt Kim and I got our hair done at the Cruise ship Salon, we ate chips and salsa washed down with cold Coronas..as we listened to a Mariachi band in Mexico. We watched the Red Sox win the World Series, in the cruise ship bar. We introduced Dad to Red Bull energy drink, which kept him up all night long. Dad would meet Aunt Diann for a walk early morning around the track, and be sure we had our lawn chairs by the pool. Grandpa Greiner and Dad would sit in the hot tub, over an afternoon cocktail. We'd meet for dinner every night at 6:30, ordering champagne and fun drinks, while Aunt Kim hit on the waiter (only kidding) and we cheered to another great day. We would gather in someones room and talk on the patio and look out into the Ocean. Mom, Kim and I were called Sisters the entire time, and we had wished Christina was there, to add to the Sister commentary.

The most amazing thing about this vacation is the fact that you made a scrapbook, Mom. I remember you mentioning something about it but I never saw it until this weekend when Christina placed it in the "Melissa pile". I opened it up and there were handwritten notes by each picture, from you. There are some things in life that are very precious and this is one of those things.

Here are some of the comments you wrote next to the pictures in the scrapbook- I can almost hear you say them again.

A picture of Aunt Kim, Ted and Mom, "Thanks to my daughter for taking the funniest picture ever. I love it! Last night of our cruise."

A picture of Aunt Kim, Melissa and Mom, "My favorite picture! My Sister, my daughter & me!"

A picture of you Mom, doing your famous bunny dance, "The one and only famous bunny dance by Patricia Olszowy! This is for you Melissa!"

That last comment made me feel as if you were talking directly to me as I was reading through this scrapbook. Here I see you in this beautiful dress bouncing in the air like a bunny, with the hugest grin, and here you hand write this comment, "this is for you Melissa". This is one of those moments that I really thank you so much for doing something that seemed so simple at the time. Who would have thought a scrapbook would become so significant, so incredibly important, so cherished.....

Thank you, Mom.