Pittsburgh, here's to the last few memories:
Dr. Keitz, best Peds Rheumatologist out there (with best German accent, to boot.) Jane's tears are a combo of saying goodbye and knowing it's a blood draw day. She was such a tough cookie this time.
Pirates/Mets game with our kids, Mom W., and the Kimbers. Best city view in baseball. Rare win made it extra sweet.
The breezy summer night walk across 6th street bridge back to our cars after the game was equally fine.
And nothing quite like spending 7 bucks on a cotton candy to make you feel like you can spare a buck for a bum on a bridge. Jane was particularly eager to be the one to put some bucks in the various panhandlers' cups.
Our convo-
Jane: Mom, are these the helpless people?
Me: Um, they're homeless, Jane.
Jane: Why are they homeless?
Me: Well, some are sick and can't work. . .(etc.)
Jane: Then they should just buy a house. Or find one that's empty and live there.
Or someone should for sure get one for them. . .(etc.)
Or someone should for sure get one for them. . .(etc.)
(further down the bridge.)
Jane: Wow! A lot of people here have homeless.
(and further)
Caleb: Look at the big buildings, Jane. Would you like to live here in the city?
Jane: Oh yeah. It would be so fun. Then I could help all those people.
Me: (tight squeeze on that sweet little hand in mine)
Caleb, checking "lighting illegal fireworks" off of his bucket list. Thanks Parkers, what a great night.
Mandee's baby shower cakes. Like I said, I only do cakes for people I really love. Girl, you are on the list.
Sorry we didn't get a better picture of us cuz our eyes were all red from crying. Miss you.
And then we packed up our little red house. . .
And said goodbye.
I think Olivia expressed her mixed feelings about our move quite well one day while we were packing:
Olivia: This house is made of poo.
Me: Hey! No it's not.
Olivia: Yes it is.
Me: No it's not. That's not nice to say.
Olivia: Yes it is. I hate this house.
Me: Olivia, do you really hate this house?
Olivia: No. No I don't. I don't hate this house. I just really love it.
House, I also think it would be easier to leave you if you were made of poo.
Dear friends who let us crash your pads after they kicked us out of our home: consider yourselves in possession of one big fat giant WE-O-U. It was the best of times. Hope we can make it up to you soon.
Pittsburgh: It's been real.
