There and Back Again - A Grandson's Tale

This past weekend we endeavored on a quick trip out to Palo Alto, California to celebrate my grandmother's - known as Masma to us kids - 90th birthday. The trip consisted of two solid days in the car sandwiching a couple of days connected with McAllister family. Due to my slightly hectic work schedule this was the only possible timeframe we could have accomplished making the trek. And it was worth the travel.

Our drive out was accompanied by perfect weather. With The Da Vinci Code as our soundtrack - which worked well to counteract a frustrated Ashley screaming in the back seat - we forged westward across the Bonneville Salt Flats and across Nevada. The In-N-Out Burger oasis in Sparks (NV) was a welcome sight.

With the most difficult part the of drive left in front of us we climbed into the Sierra mountain range. We made it through safely with the exception of our CD player that unexpectedly quit half way through the mountains. You can imagine the frustration when thoroughly into a book, like The Da Vinci Code, and having it go silent in mid-sentence.

Panicking, we pulled into a Best Buy off the highway just outside of Sacramento. Of course, once we got there the CD player kicked back on. We made it all the way to our destination with no further problems from the stereo.

Even though it was after 10 when we crossed the Bay Bridge into San Francisco we still parked down by the Wharf and took a stroll by the piers.

We were greeted at the Oak Motel by mom and Geoff who had arrived earlier that day. Dad's attempt to flee Peoria was a disaster as flights were cancelled, resulting in him driving up to Chicago to catch an early morning flight out of the Windy City. JoAnna arrived at the motel just after we did.

The next morning brought our first visit with Masma. We introduced her - Florence McAllister - to Ashley Florence McAllister and chatted about babies and what it was like growing up in China. Amber and Ashley made a sly exit to lay Ashley down back at the Oak, while Geoff and I joined Masma for lunch.

It took a while for Geoff and I to get our food, and while we waited Masma continually offered things from her plate. When the server did bring our food he explained that Masma would do the same thing with the other residents in the dining hall if they didn't have their food. She would push to get them to take some of her food so they wouldn't be hungry.

Sunday was the big day. It marked the 90th year of Masma's life. We began by heading to the Palo Alto First Ward to see old friends of my parents and JoAnna. For you inquiring minds, Brother Steve Young was released from his calling as Assistant Teachers Quorum adviser - although he was not present to receive his vote of thanks.

Brunch back at Pilgrim Haven was news worthy mainly because of the eating contest that ensued. Geoff and JoAnna initially challenged each other to an eating duel. While JoAnna fell out of the race early Geoff reluctantly invited me into the competition. After several waffles, eclairs, and chicken cordon-blues we both finished with a great feeling of satisfaction.

The reception for Masma was held that evening and included all three of her sons, friends from around her Pilgrim Haven facility, and old neighbors. It felt fulfilling to honor such a wonderful lady. The night was capped off with a trip to the family's favorite Chinese food place, Jing Jing's.

While saying our good-byes the following morning it was realized that we had never gotten a four-generation photo with Ashley, myself, Dad, and Masma. We slipped back over to Pilgrim Haven to "surprise" Masma at breakfast to get the photo.

The drive back to Utah was covered by clouds. There was snow over Donner Pass, in the mountains, but not enough to be concerned. The Da Vinci Code ended just outside of Tooele (about 2 hours from home), and we spent much of the rest of the way talking about all the plot twists and unexpected ending to the story. That is until I fell asleep in Kaysville (just over an hour from Logan) and Amber drove the rest of the way home.