so many help

some friends help so far

beyond my expectations

seeing a need before i express it

and quietly filling in gaps

i would have stumbled over

i am so blessed with family

and insightful friends

true friends at the coast

 the most fun day of this year

was the four of us talking

and laughing on the drive to the coast

relaxing, hanging out at the Blue house to watch the waves from the deck

sharing a meal with dark, molasses

bread so rich a few bites satiate

working on sections of that impossible

jigsaw puzzle, sharing about what

has been happening in our lives

and the pains and joys of family

talking, laughing and talking

even louder all the way home

together bonding, knowing

of a certainty that sorrows are picked up willingly

and now carried by more than one  

joy of sharing

talk and laughter among friends

who came to share potluck

and the sound of the ocean

giggles and guffaws

 the giggles and guffaws

of our gang of four

contribute abundantly

to the noise in The Meating Place

but as the infant in her buggy

still sleeps, we continue to tell

tales and laugh with the joy

only precious friends can give                      

my children are my friends

my children are my friends

adults who listen

even when i stammer

who guide my steps when i stumble

who forgive when i falter

who chuckle when i command

but listen and talk things over with me

who love despite my shortcomings

how could i ever ask more?

joyous wedding

 deep in Portland’s Rhododendron Gardens, in a clear space overlooking

ducks and Canada geese flutter-stepping to launch from still lake

a simple frame decorated with old roses, crème-white and dusty pink

witty friend officiates joyous union of grandson

and his brilliant, beautiful wife-to-be

two devoted to each other through Pomona College

and Columbia Law School

celebration supper of salmon and slides of the couple growing up

in loving families and among loyal friends

who travelled from all over this country and Europe

to be with them in their commitment to each other

and i, proud grandma, privileged to attend

                        mjNordgren  6/25/2022  Portland