Last month during Mother’s Day weekend, my dad and I were sitting on the grass in front my of parents house. We were enjoying our fellowship and the sunshine of the day whilst engaged in the annual changing the oil in my car. My dad invited me to sit with him on the grassy embankment which he shared was called the George Christian Memorial Embankment in memory of his very good friend from Quinault who tragically ended his life in 1999. George was an exceptional human, and an authentic friend. He loved the beauty and perfection of nature and everything comme il faut. Duane and George had spent many hours talking together on that south facing gentle grassy sloped embankment talking together about life, Quinault, and enjoying friendship.

So there my dad and I were on Mother’s Day weekend, sharing in the warmth of the sun philosophizing about life, death, his dear friend George Christian, and Quinault all whilst the oil drained from my car. We were sitting there next to each other on the grass when a neighbor, a young woman unknown to us, drove by and stopped her car in the middle of the intersection. She rolled down her window to call out to us:

“Excuse me,” she said.

At first, we thought maybe she wasn’t a neighbor and instead was a lost tourist in need of directions. But instead, she surprised us by continuing on with:

“I just have to say U2 are so cute. You’re just making me so happy. I just had to say that. Have a great day.”

Just wow. We enjoyed an unexpected pleasant laugh together. This life. These moments. The goodness of family, connection and humanity. So special. we savored the experience together.

And so here we are pictured together on Father’s Day weekend at my cousin Laura’s wedding— this time with Lady Kitty—looking again so traffic stopping cute.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Duane! He is a very special person. My dad is a sensitive caring father and supportive friend. We can have deep conversations about pretty much anything. Sometimes they get intense, and we walk in silence or take a break and can pick it up later, or not. We keep showing up for each other— 46 years now. Mostly him for me for many of those years, but we mutually learn from and inspire each other, as well. I’m so grateful for our enduring and continuing relationship. I’m especially grateful for the bond he and my daughter have also been able to develop and share these past four years.

This life, the beauty of family friendship. Taking the time to sit together on a grassy bank again and again over the years. The breathing picture of this in practice—arresting. Traffic stoppingly so.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Duane. I love you always. A perfect day. I’m glad I spent it with you!