Niall and I are on the bus, headed back to Chicago after our visit to Cincinnati. It was really necessary and wonderful to attend Madeline's memorial. It started at this lovely museum on the top of a hill. I love the hills of Cincinnati - coming from the flatness of Chicago, it feels extra special. This particular hill was covered in gardens with walking paths - I found a bush of lavender covered in bumblebees. It was a place quite appropriate for Madeline, as she loved the outside world. There were lots of words shared about her, lots of tears, lots of memories. Then we went to the Ohio River. Her husband Robert scattered some of her ashes into the water, near her old apartment.

Then, we had a weekend of slow family time. We got to meet the newest member of my family, Oliver. He is my first second cousin and is an incredible baby at three months old. It is so nice to have a new arrival in the family.