Mama Mainard

A lazy Sunday spent with family. Our morning stretched into the afternoon as we sat and chatted over many cups of tea and bountiful plates of coffee cake and muffins, bowls of berries and mugs of coffee and tea. Mama Mainard slept in until close till noon, after being up in the middle of the night for a few hours. Nancy, Chester and I sat and talked for awhile this morning, Marilyn came and visited for a long stretch, and then Mama joined us when she woke. We eventually gathered ourselves up from the table and took a ride to Trader Joe's to stock up our fridge and pantry for the week. Then a quick stop at Safeway for essential ingredients that they don't stock at TJ's- rice krispies and marshmallows so Mama can make rice krispie treats.

By the time we got home, it was time to get dinner ready. As the chicken roasted and the mixed root veggies steamed, we continued to sit and talk. There is something particular about family talking together that is beautiful to witness. The familiarity, the shared stories, the common body language. Seeing Chester with his mom is quite magical- she shares the same sassiness and strength that we know and love in Chester. Feisty and gentle both, she shares an exquisite connection with her son. I can see the communication flow between them, much of it unspoken. Equally beautiful is watching Chester be the child with his mother, beloved and a bit vulnerable.

It is near 10 pm and Chester continues to sit and visit with his family. He hasn't napped today and yet his articulation is still good, and I'll probably be ready for bed before he is tonight. The extra motivation of visiting with his family is palpable.

Some images of Chester and Mama Mainard. More photos will come shortly- there are many cameras out and active this week, to be sure.