We're home from our weekend trip to Ohio, jet-lagged but otherwise none the worse for wear. All four American Airlines flights and connections went like clockwork, a small miracle in itself.
It was rainy and windy on Friday in Columbus, but cleared out by evening. So we enjoyed two days of bright, crisp autumn weather.
On Saturday afternoon the family gathered for a memorial at the beautiful Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Mom's remains are at rest here now, in the bench beside her beloved Johnny.
We shared tears and laughter remembering Mom's long life, and mourned the recent loss of Rachel's husband, our dear Ted.
After the memorial, in honor of Mom and Dad, we had lunch at Bob Evans, their favorite comfort food restaurant. They would have approved.
And it felt like they were with us in spirit, Dad eating his chicken and dumplings with the "big spoon" he always asked the waitress to bring.
John with his sisters, Rachel and Janice. Our time together was brief but very special.
On Sunday afternoon, John said he planned a surprise to see one of the "greatest natural wonders of the world."
Now don't get me wrong, parts of Ohio are quite pretty. But as we drove miles out into the countryside, past neat farms dotted with Republican yard signs, I wondered how this great natural marvel could suddenly pop up out of nowhere?
Of course it was right under our feet. Ohio is famous for limestone caves, and Ohio Caverns is the granddaddy of them all.
We shuffled along on the hour long tour, taking bad pictures with everyone else and admiring the crystal stalactites and stalagmites.
The impressive and rare columns that form after thousands of years of tiny drips, when stalactite finally meets stalagmite.
And the world famous, aptly named Crystal Carrot, the largest stalactite in the cavern.
The two days went by so quickly. On Sunday evening before heading home we had dinner with our friend Mark at a historic tavern in the town of Dublin. Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and hospitality.
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