May 17-20, 2019
So, our dear friend, Lisa Starbuck, (who introduced Tom and me to each other) promised us “a show”, and given some of the complicated relationships involved, I expected at least a little bit of drama… but it all went off without a hitch, like a well-oiled machine. Everyone was on their best behavior, and the logistics involved all cooperated. Elizabeth’s biological dad walked her down the aisle, and her step-granddad performed the ceremony, which started promptly at 6pm. The venue was handsome and grand (Omaha Country Club, at the insistence of the parents in law), and everything was really quite exquisite– from the elaborate flower arrangements to the dinner menu cards (sit down for 200, I’m guessing). Elizabeth looked beautiful in her backless, sparkling gown and Blake very tall and dashing in his tux. Following dinner, we had toasts, cake and dancing. I’m told the party (for the younger folk) lasted until 5am. The only thing that did not cooperate was the weather – a chilly rain which was cheerfully ignored.
On this trip we met many more of Lisa’s friends since her move to Omaha a year ago. I will always admire Lisa’s unwavering commitment to both absorb and compel change, no matter how uncomfortable. She knows that she is part of a divine plan, whether it is clear to her or not. And she has willingly relocated from Williamsburg to Omaha, building a whole new life and community. Elizabeth, who graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with an engineering degree, is definitely “going places.” And her husband, Blake, who is finishing up his graduate work in engineering, will no doubt do the same.
While here, we also got a chance to spend more time in the “Old Market” area of downtown Omaha. Covered walkways and brick streets remind me of other western towns – such as Whitefish, MT. The downtown is undergoing a resurgence with new construction and investment, and I love the mix of old and new architecture.
Along the way, we discovered (courtesy of Lisa) another awesome used bookstore, Jackson Street Books. The place reminded me very much of Acres of Books in Long Beach, CA. Everywhere you looked, there were books. Shelves full. Tall stacks full. Even the floors were lined with volumes. A total fire-trap – it was wonderful!
We also discovered a great restaurant, the Twisted Fork. Fresh, creative salads, and tasty items like “chicken-fried bacon.” Everyone was happy.
On a drive down to Lincoln, Lisa took us by the Holy Family Shrine, a tall, stunningly beautiful structure of wood, glass and stone perched on a hill overlooking the interstate. Built for travelers by the local Catholic diocese, the shrine is only for prayer and contemplation – no weddings, funerals or baptisms. An abstract metal sculpture suspended from the ceiling of the underground visitor center drips water into a pool, which slowly spills into a narrow river rock-lined channel in the stone floor that runs from the center down an exterior walkway and through the length of the free-standing shrine, all of the way to the altar. Simple wooden benches offer seating. Every detail has been considered. Even on a cold, gloomy day, you could feel the light, and your soul comforted.
Tomorrow we begin the run to Denver.
WordShelter.com 