A flock of birds over the ocean in La Jolla

Saying Goodbye

The realization that someone in your life is gone, never to be seen or heard again, is tough. I spent last week in San Diego for the celebration of life for my father-in-law, Hugh. He died on Thanksgiving Day this past year. 

We had some sad, tearful moments, but overall it was a great celebration of a well-lived, long life. I saw so many people I haven't seen in at least eight if not 10 years or more and that was such a gift. 

I stayed with one of my dearest friends, Cath, whom I've known since college. I love those kinds of friendships - it's as if I finished my sentence the last time we were together and she started the next one right where we left off as soon as we saw each other. 

I was there for six days and caught up with several other good friends I hadn't seen in years. It was a whirlwind of a trip - on top of Friday evening and Saturday all day with friends and family for Hugh's celebration.

The weather was beautiful on Saturday which was such a blessing because we needed the patio space. It rained on and off most of the time I was there. 

I even got to take a few photos, though not nearly as many as I would have liked. But, that's okay. That's not the reason I was there. 

One of the shots I did get down at the beach was the above photo of the birds in flight. I was stoked to get all the birds in focus, with the exception of a few moving wingtips. It's so tough to get photos of birds in flight. 

I took it as a sign of Hugh's spirit winging its way to Heaven. 

I lucked out with my friend Tamara, and we got to walk all along the Cove without getting wet. It wasn't super warm but at least the sun came out. That's when I got the shot of the birds. 

We had a fun encounter with a resident of La Jolla, John, who we got talking to and discovered that all three of us were at UCSD at around the same time. He was a hoot, and he snapped a selfie of us and put it on his social media. 

I didn't have a chance to get to the beach at sunrise or sunset to catch my favorite light, but life is short, and it was so important to me to visit with friends and family since I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back out to San Diego again.

AND all of my kids were there in one place - a huge gift! My stepdaughter was able to bring her kids so I got to visit with the grandkids which was such a joy. 

I flew home on Wednesday, which is why I didn't post last Wednesday. 

The photographer Joel Strasser said:

A good photographer must love life more than he does photography.

I love life and my friends and family. I'm doing my best to be a good photographer.

I came home to some wild rainy weather and storms here (crazy hail on Sunday night!) but it's been nice the way it alternates with sunshine and cool breezes.

Feels like spring. 

I believe Hugh would have greatly enjoyed his send-off party. 

Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, and see you between the raindrops!

xoxo,
Susan

You can see my California gallery here, and I'll add a few more photos soon.