Getting Away to Portland

The Madison destination wasn't only about seeing my dad, of course. We were being hosted by Jean. Not only that, but last summer, when we were first planning our trip by train, I suggested to Jean that she ride with us from Madison to Portland. It would be a great chance for her to see grandchildren and even great grandchildren. When I first suggested it by email, I thought she'd say no. Instead, she wrote back within about an hour saying she thought it was a great idea.

And so we made it happen.

Jean is 89. Maybe it's not fair to say her age, since I'm not bragging about my age or anyone else's. But this is in the "isn't she remarkable" department. She still does Tai Chi and is fiercely independent. For many years, until last summer, until it became totally impractical, she was single-handedly taking care of my dad.

On the way to board the train in Milwaukee, she told us that she had not spent a night outside of Madison in seven years. We could feel her excitement.