One Year Ago
One year ago, I was on the island of Maui with Eric. It was our last big trip together as a couple. I remember the two of us sitting on the plane. It was a long flight and I wasn't sure if Eric was going to make it. The flight took ten hours. It was only suppose to take eight hours to reach the island from Minnesota, but we ended up on a charter flight. By the time we reached the island, Eric was really pale and ready to retire. Luckily, we had Eric's brother and his fiance with us on the trip. Both of them went out of their way to help us with luggage and drove us to our condominium. It was a beautiful place. The condominium was located near a prestigious golf course and had an oceanfront view. You could hear the waves pounding into the shoreline from where we were staying. The ocean was only a few steps away from the condominium's main living space. There was also a gorgeous, hidden beach within walking distance from our backdoor. As difficult as it was to get to Maui, it was clear that we had found paradise. There was no better place we could of visited, so today, I'm missing Maui. I'm missing Eric. I'm thinking about both and hoping that one day, I'll be able to bring Ethan to island of Maui. I want to show him the place where his father and I took our last trip together, even if it takes another ten hours to get there. It's a trip worth sharing..especially with Ethan.
This morning, Ethan snuck into my room and started playing with a box of shells I had laying on my side table. I purchased the shells and box while in Maui. Since having brought them home, I've kept the box of shells near my bed. I've been very protective of them since the trip, so this is Ethan's first time viewing and playing with the box of shells. After opening the box, his curious nature took over. The shells were immediately met by his hands and within a ten second period, the shells were on the ground and all over my bed. Laugh. I could of easily panicked, but I didn't. I grabbed the camera instead and let Ethan play with the little bit of Maui I'd brought home with me. I figured Eric would of loved seeing Ethan play with the little shells. It almost felt like Eric was there...for me, it was a return to that special place. Opening the box of shells was like revisiting the past and seeing Maui all over again, accept this time, it was with Ethan.
On a side note, I've been spending the last couple of days preparing work for a publication (can't mention names, though it's not an American publication). I finished a new layout (see a sneak peek below) and answered lots of questions. I can't wait to see everything when it comes together. I have a little bit more I need to do for that project, but tonight, I'm going to get ready to scrapbook once again and relax a little...Friday nights are for relaxing. At least that's my rule. Laugh.
I'm leaving you with a few photos of Ethan and Grandpa's pond. Do you think the fish are hungry? Ethan seems to think so...
What lovely memories you have of your last trip with Eric. I am so happy that you allowed Ethan to play with the shells. I am not sure I could have done that. What are your plans for the shells? Perhaps you could cover a frame with them and put a photo of you and Eric in Maui. I have so many shells that we have collected over the years. I have them in a glass vase on our mantel. My plan is to do a frame or something.
Have fun scrapping tonight. I cannot wait until I feel normal again so I can do some scrapping and use some of the goodies you sent me. It has been over a month now since my surgery and I am going a little batty.
OK, time for bed.
Have a groovy weekend.
Love and God bless,
Shaun
Posted by: Shaun Paddock | October 03, 2008 at 08:58 PM
The three pictures of your son and the shells moved me to tears. It is my humble opinion that when you scrap them, you should print off this post from your blog and tuck it in somewhere on the L.O. Your son should read it when he is grown.
Julie
Posted by: julie | October 03, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Oh, that photo of the light shining through the box onto his face is so beautiful I can't stop looking at it. I'm so glad you are reliving beautiful memories.
Posted by: Cyndi | October 03, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Well Ethan made quite a discovery in those shells.I'm glad that you savored the moment and let him discover it.
I love the peek of your project.Looks super!
I don't think the fish will be hungry for long...lol.
Posted by: Julie | October 04, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Those photos are just magical ... the one of him opening the box ... you couldn't have gotten that shot if you'd planned it. Eric was definately there with the two of you.
I just cannot wait to see the layout you will eventually do with these photos.
Posted by: Tara Van Moorsel | October 04, 2008 at 06:45 AM
The story and picture of Ethan with the shells made me catch my breath, Christine.
Lovely photos, gorgeous sneak! Can't wait to hear your news of the publication!
Posted by: Melissa | October 04, 2008 at 10:25 AM
The story and picture of Ethan with the shells made me catch my breath, Christine.
Lovely photos, gorgeous sneak! Can't wait to hear your news of the publication!
Posted by: Melissa | October 04, 2008 at 10:25 AM
The story and picture of Ethan with the shells made me catch my breath, Christine.
Lovely photos, gorgeous sneak! Can't wait to hear your news of the publication!
Posted by: Melissa | October 04, 2008 at 10:25 AM
What a lovely memory. Glad you are sharing it with Ethan. I liked the idea about printing out this post & scrapping with it too!
Posted by: VickiF | October 04, 2008 at 11:22 AM
The pic with the light is magical :)
xxx
Posted by: soojay | October 04, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Love the picture of ethan with the shells. I dont think I could have let anyone touch the shells. Glad you did cause you got those magical shots.
Posted by: Shelby | October 04, 2008 at 03:48 PM
a beautiful memory and story...what a blessing you have in Ethan...a true connection to Eric and a way to "re-live" some of your times with him. Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Mandy | October 04, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Oh, that photo of Ethan's face bathed in the colorful, reflected light is MAGICAL.
Can't wait to see your next 'creation!'
Posted by: Kelly | October 04, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Thank you for sharing your heart and your memories....wonderful read. I would definately say, that your Angel is pleased.
Posted by: kimberly | October 05, 2008 at 03:19 AM
As a fan of the movie Ghost, you know I believe Eric WAs there when Ethan was playing with the shells. What a magical moment and a wonderful trip back to Maui even if only for a moment.
Posted by: Laura Solomon | October 05, 2008 at 06:43 AM
What a beautiful photo of Ethan with the light shining on him! I hope that you will feel peace today when you think of Eric. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | October 05, 2008 at 06:07 PM