Enjoying family time together at Longwood.

On a recent trip to Longwood Gardens, Bryan began to ask more questions about, and supply answers to, our ongoing fire inventory saga. The car ride was long and we had ample time to talk while walking around the inside and outside of that beautiful place.

As we walked and talked, Bryan snapped countless pictures of the lights, decorated trees, and exotic plants which he passed. We happened upon an organist playing on the magnificent pipe organ in the ballroom. Bryan took a video of that for later viewing. With nephew, Finn, he explored the water features in the Children’s Garden in the Conservatory. And he took a minute to enjoy and capture the glorious sunset outside of the new West Conservatory on his phone.

He knew instinctively that his father and I were preoccupied during this respite getaway. He overheard us constantly talking and thinking about all of the things we had lost in the fire, needing to create a detailed and exhaustive inventory list of 47+ years of our belongings. The insurance company was asking for the list. Lots of pressure. It has taken every spare minute of our time. The subject was discussed in the car on the way to the Gardens. Bryan picked up on our angst and reacted accordingly, wanting to help.

Room by room, he began to mention items he remembered were there. Things we had forgotten. Items in drawers, closets, on shelves, under beds. That’s one thing about Bryan – he has an excellent memory.

Perhaps it is healing for all of us to reminisce together as we try to recreate what was lost for an insurance excel spreadsheet. It’s a cold and clinical way to recollect treasured memories and possessions. But when it’s done together as a family, the load is lightened, the burden shared, and we can smile at stories from our past. And look forward to creating more.