Detroit

June 8- 10, 2015 Days 6-8

Lambertville, MI – Detroit, MI

81 miles/1.5 hours

Aunt Kelly’s House

I’m starting to get nervous about the weather. This morning we woke to grey skies and I finally looked at a weather report – rain, rain, rain – for the next week. The Cochran cousins had school this morning, so as soon as they left, we packed up and headed north to Aunt Kelly’s.

I must admit, I experienced bittersweet emotions as I drove into Ed and Kelly’s neighborhood. I don’t know when I’ll stop feeling as if I’ll find my brother waiting for us when I pull up. The silence that enveloped me when I entered the house is all the reality check I needed. So quiet, and yet, I still felt like I was coming home. This house will always, in my heart, be my brother’s. I think the kids feel a connection, as well. Barrett had the biggest smile on his face as he entered.

Kelly was working, so we made ourselves at home. Barrett set up camp in Edmund’s old office, Audrey took control of the remote, and Hunter and Cammy headed to the basement. I made myself a cup of coffee and settled in at the kitchen table for a day of writing, reading, emails, and bill paying.

Kelly came home late, but was greeted with lots of love. She looks fabulous. She’s grown her hair out and it’s beautiful. Kelly and I poured some wine and caught up while the kids ran around trying to get our attention.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

We all slept in (except Kelly) this morning. When we did get up, Hunter went for a run and I walked (my foot is still bothering me). Audrey made us breakfast (scrambled eggs), and I convinced the stinky ones that perhaps it was time to bathe. 

Audrey had left her big Care Bear at the Cochrans and Jan generously offered to drive it up, since she had to pick up her mom at the Detroit Airport. We made plans to rondevuex for dinner, and Audrey and I headed to the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, to do some shopping. I love the Twelve Oaks Mall – I think it’s my favorite mall ever. After shopping, we had dinner with Jan, Jackson, and Elizabeth at J. Alexander’s. Kelly was going to join us, but got stuck at work. 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Today the weather report is calling for wicked thunderstorms. I was planning on another dreary day, but the weather Gods had mercy on us and it turned out to be a gorgeous. I was getting excited about going to the Tigers game, but also nervous, because the daughter of Kelly’s best friend was babysitting Bear and Camden. How did I put this delicately? Barrett’s been “off” with his bathroom habits since we’ve been on the road. He likes his private time and well, he’s had none of that. All I could imagine was him unburdening himself while under the care of pretty nineteen year old, and then needing, shall we say…help in the bathroom. I took one for the team and sent Kelly on to the game with Hunter and Audrey. I curled up on the coach with a new book and Sweet Home Alabama on the TV.

P.S. I made the right decision to stay home.