There were no cruises around the lake, bonfires, Dad on the grill, or late night card games. There wasn't any waking up to the fresh air of up-north Michigan or Mom getting coffee in her bathrobe. And there wasn't any Mom and Dad.
This year, I spent Labor Day very non-traditionally back in Farmington Hills, MI relaxing. I did get to spend time with many family members which was really nice.
I arrived at the Close's on Friday evening to spend it with Mom Close. We went to a nice dinner with a family friend and sat outside. My brother-n-law Jay and sister-n-law Jackie came by for a visit. Saturday morning, I woke up early and made the dreaded drive through Allen Park, stopped off at Starbucks, was instantly recognized by an old friend, who bought my coffee and offered her condolences. I had one more stop before arriving at Grandpa Olszowy's house and that was McDonalds. It wasn't 11am yet so I was unable to get his favorite treat, the Big Mac but he settled for a breakfast sandwich. I spent some time with him and before I left he had me go downstairs to take home one of his handmade windmills. He only had two left and he wanted me to have one. He said for me to be certain to sign my name on the bottom (apparently, my Mom and Dad's were stolen off their porch a few years back! The nerve of some people!).
After visiting, I headed back to the Close's and Mom Close and I got manicures and pedicures and went shopping and met up with my Sister for some additional shopping and for dinner. We bought her school clothes to give to Aydan (the preppiest little pants and shoes from GAP!) and helped her get his school supplies for the start of Kindergarten.
Sunday evening was really fun....my Aunt Diann and Uncle Randy were in town from Atlanta so all gathered in downtown Detroit and headed to Greek town. My cousin Jessica and her husband Bob came along, as well as Mrs. Close, Christina and Matt. The food was awesome , we walked next door to the casinos where I almost got arrested for taking pictures while Mom Close and Christina were at the roulette table (sorry, what can I say, I like taking pictures even when illegal), and finished the evening at an amazing bakery where we all ate delicious decadent desserts. I opted for Rice pudding, which has been a favorite of mine for years.
Like I said, it wasn't the most traditional Labor Day I have ever spent as most of them in my 28 years were spent at the Lake, especially when I was young. However as long as I am at least with Family for every Holiday, is really the most important thing. And for whatever reason, I do get great peace with spending time with any sibling or Father of my parents. It makes me recognize my Sister and I are not the only ones who are suffering a loss and that we are not facing this life on our own. We have family that love us and will continue to honor my parents through their relationship with my Sister and I. So many have lost two very special people. I often forget that and sometimes feel like Christina and I are facing this tragedy all by ourselves... but I know this is not true.
Here are some pictures of the weekend.
Cousin Jess, Melissa, Aunt Diann and Mom Close in Greek Town:
Chris and I at Pegasus:
And cousin Bob and Uncle Randy:
Missing you always Mom and Dad,
Your daughter
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