Morgan's bench

At the end of my stay in San Diego, I was fortunate to get to La Jolla for a visit to Morgan's bench. Morgan is my first cousin who passed on too early and last September my Aunt Laura and her kids used donated money to install a bench overlooking the La Jolla coast, Morgan's favorite location. My friend Charissa, her brother Nate and his wife Suzanne (in picture) were very kind and generous with their time and drove me up there. The bench is located just below the Torrey Pines Gliderport where many come to para-sail of the cliffs over the ocean. The location couldn't be more beautiful.

When I first approached the bench, there was an attractive young man (about my age) sitting there studying intently his Spanish textbook (a bit serendipitous, I'd say;). I told him that he was sitting on my cousin's bench - which, thinking of it now, could have sounded a little odd. I pointed out the plaque in front of the bench and introduced myself as Morgan's cousin. To my surprise, he didn't get up and leave. It was really great though because I showed him the Tupperware box with the journal and pictures that are under the bench and he was really curious. He'd thought someone had left it there by accident. He respectively sat there and listened as I talked about my memories of Morgan, the memorial service, and comments about our family in general. He also wanted to see the pictures. We both commented on how there are benches like these all over the place but there is rarely any story provided about the person's life. He and the others walked down to the cliff so I could sit and write in the journal.

Afterwards, Nate and Suzanne (who live in the San Diego area) expressed how grateful they were to not only know of the bench but also to discover the opportunity to para-sail, something they've always wanted to do, but never knew about this site. They said they're excited to go back and also to visit the bench again. So, I'm really grateful for my Aunt Laura (Morgan's mom) and others who got this idea put into reality. I believe it is in the perfect place and very much appreciated.

Ally and Ronnie's Wedding

Ally's Wedding Week

One of my bestest friends from college Ally (whom you may remember as the one who I also visited in China a year ago) married Ron Mona this past Saturday, June 28th. I was so grateful to be able to take a whole work week and a day off last week to be there with them in sunny San Diego, Cali.

As some may know, spending the week before the wedding with the bride is never without activity and excitement. And because Ally is marrying into a Samoan family, the week felt more like a cultural exchange experience than a vacation. Here are some highlights from the week:

1. Sleeping 3 out of 7 nights on a hard floors of small rooms

2. Learning to sew on a machine in 5 minutes, falling in love with a surger sewing machine then spending at least 12 hours doing my contribution to make 40 white table cloths.

3. Wishing I could dance the Taulunga (Samoan money dance traditionally done by the bride or birthday girl)

4. Basking in the San Diego sun and swimming off the private Coronado Naval base beach (hooray for Ally's family having a discount at the Navy Lodge!)

5. Getting pampered at the spa.

6. Okay, so I'm not a big fan of Hummers destroying our environment but I had a heck of a good time riding in a limo one with 17 other people to take wedding photos at Balboa Park.

7. Feeling 12 again and giggling with 6 girlfriends into the wee hours of the morning every night of the week.

Good things do happen!

How refreshing to hear the great news this morning about the freeing of the U.S. and Colombian hostages (15 total) that were held by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) for 5-6 years. This reminds me of another incredible rescue/release that many thought impossible - the story of the kidnapping and release of Christian Science Monitor reporter Jill Carroll in 2006. These are both great reminders not to stop our prayers and pursuit of justice and freedom. Good can prevail!