How are you at remembering names?  People tend to remember my name because the group is meeting "only" me.  While Dad was still with me they all called him "Dad" so it worked fine.  I, however, am usually meeting a whole group at one time.  I need name tags -- if for no other reason than to look down (at mine) and be able to give my name.

The memory that keeps going through my mind, this week, is the last cruise we took.  We were with a group of friends and family.  Dad had needed a scooter to get around with.  (I don't care where you are going, on the ship, it is at the OTHER end.)  So Dad used his scooter except in our cabin.  The problem happened when the scooter (early in the cruise) developed a loud squeal.  I'm pretty sure it could be heard on shore!  Our room steward tried to fix it.  Maintenance, on the ship, tried to fix it.  When we were in port I even got in touch with the "scooter people."  No one could fix it.

A cruise ship has about 3,000 passengers and 1500 ( or so) crew.  Most of them knew our name but the memory is of the Head Maitre D (whose name I'm not even sure I knew but definitely don't remember) knew me and Dad.  He is the HEAD of the whole ship meals and dining rooms, probably saw all 3,000 + passengers.  He could call us by name!  Knew (because he could hear us) when we were coming and could connect us with the family.  You have to laugh or you start screaming........   

How are you at following directions?  I tell people I follow directions except with my needlework.  I reserve the right to do my own thing with my needlework.  I do, however, follow directions (the recipe) when cooking and I try to follow directions on how to get some place.  I do need left or right NOT north or south!  I also like being able to use my phone and the "map app" to find things -- like quilt store near me.

The memory I keep thinking about, this week, involves how Dad helped with directions -- from his chair while he was watching TV.  I was driving because I knew where my friend and I were going, to Luther Seminary for continuing education.  I can still get around some on the streets in the Cities.  I just don't always remember the exit to take off the interstate.

My problem came because of road construction.  I couldn't take the exit I knew, nor could I turn on the street I knew, I had to follow "their" detour.  Don't ask me how but I ended up with us on the State Fairgrounds looking at the Hippadrome.  I called Dad, who was at home, and he talked me backt to where I knew where I was.  (His parents had owned a house, not far from the Seminary, so I knew the area SOME. He knew the area very well - he grew up there.)   AND we were only 15 minutes late!!

Between traveling, technology issues, and weather "throwback" Thursday has turned into "free" time Friday.  Traveling, this week, happened a lot.  Over 2,000 miles on the car.  And, yes, -- before you even ask, -- gas was expensive.  The thing is "grandma hugs" are worth it!

Meanwhile it (travel) brought back memories.  The people I travel with now should be thanking, and giving virtual "grandma hugs" to my maternal grandmother.  I have a very clear memory of being in the car with both her and my grandfather.  What I don't remember is why it was "just me" in the car with them.  Where were my siblings?  How did I get to have my own time with grandparents?  Where were we going?

Whatever the reason for me being with them, and traveling, I was all over the back seat.  I was NOT sitting still!  This was way before seat belts let alone car seats -- besides I was 6 or 7 years old.  My grandmother had my grandfather stop at a Ben Franklin (I did tell you this was years ago) where she got me rug yarn and a wooden crochet hook (years remember!).  She proceeded to teach me how to crochet so I would sit still.  The first piece, I remember, was a very weird shape -- I gave it to her.

Now it is my knitting that goes with me - to meetings, classes and, yes, when traveling.  I finished a scarf and I'm most of the way up the back of one sweater and part way up the back of a second sweater all from this trip!  All this so I can SIT STILL which does keep the driver happy!

"We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.  And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them.""   (Psalm 126:2  NLT)

Traveling, yesterday, means "throwback (memories) Thursday" has to happen on Friday.  Traveling also means, when we are lucky, a time for food and fellowship with friends.  This time the fellowship included sharing memories, and laughter, with each other.  My friends were asking about the times of laughter as I was Caregiver for my Dad.

One thing Dad was very good at was teasing me.  He loved to do it.  He didn't care where we were or what we were doing or who was around us -- he just liked to give me a hard time.  I could usually have a pretty good come back.  One of the times this happened was right as we were pulling into the parking lot, on the first Sunday, of the very first church I was serving.  Dad had made a wise crack, I was lucky enough to have a come back and then we got out of the car.  As we were getting out of the car Dad started saying "Elder abuse.  Elder abuse."  My response to this was "can you at least let them meet , and get to know our names and us, before you start!"  Other wise my usual response back was "child abuse. Child abuse."

Elder, or child, abuse is NOT a laughing matter.  It is a serious problem that, in most cases, needs to at least be checked into.  In some cases, however, it is just two people teasing each other.  Like I explained to my friends.... sometimes you have to laugh or you will start screaming.  If you are laughing, instead of screaming, this is a good thing.  If you are needing encouragement my prayer is this memory will help.