Bellevue Botanical Garden+

WILBURTON, BELLEVUE, WA:

This morning, as steady rain fell in the Pacific Northwest, Ronin and I set off on an urban adventure through the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, a vibrant oasis nestled within the city’s embrace. The soft patter of raindrops accompanied our footsteps, blending with a hint of nature awakening under a thick blanket of gray skies. I felt a sense of gratitude, intertwined with the joy of sharing this moment with my grandson. Each winding path we explored was not just a journey through the gardens but a reflection of life’s twists and turns accompanied by those we love. As we wandered, I couldn’t help but ponder the stories hidden within each of the many gardens, waiting to be discovered, just like the memories I cherish, and strive to pass on to Ronin.

Today, I’m particularly grateful for my daughter, Emily, and her family. Their love creates a sanctuary where Ronin can thrive, and witnessing his bright smile and curiosity fills my heart with joy. Reflecting on my role in his life, I am reminded of the importance of connection within our family. Each moment spent with him, whether in laughter or quiet observation, is a treasure that reinforces the bonds we share. As we navigated the path today, I found myself appreciating the warmth of our family ties, feeling fortunate to be part of this journey. My heart swells with gratitude, knowing that these experiences are not just fleeting moments but building blocks of a legacy steeped in love and nurturing.

Meandering through the gardens, I shared tales of our family history, weaving Ronin into the fabric of our legacy. Each story—whether about holiday traditions or cherished game nights—was a thread linking us to our past and creating a tapestry rich with memories. I could almost feel Kelly with us as I recounted our adventures, her spirit alive in the joy we shared. Today’s hike felt like more than just a walk; it was a celebration of life and love, a moment to reflect on the path from where we came, and the path we’re creating together. As Ronin whispered “papa,” I felt a profound sense of pride, realizing that our stories would not only shape his understanding of our family but also keep the memory of Kelly alive in his heart.

The Journey…

Today, was a classic Pacific Northwest day with a thick layer of clouds and steady rain. It offered a soft pattering that accompanied Ronin and me on our urban hike through the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. The skies were a blanket of gray, but the morning light still managed to cast a soft glow on the vibrant greens and earthy browns of the landscape. As we drove toward the botanical gardens, I felt gratitude, mingling with the excitement of sharing this experience. The city’s distant sounds were a comforting reminder of the world beyond the gardens, yet within the lush embrace of nature, we found our own oasis. Each step we took on the winding paths brought us deeper into a space where the plants thrived and the air was rich with the scent of damp earth.

Exploring the many acres of the Bellevue Botanical Garden felt like stepping into discovery, where each garden told its own story. We meandered through the Rock Garden, marveling at its rugged beauty, and strolled through the Waterwise Garden, which captivated us with its clever designs. Ronin’s eyes were wide with wonder as we wandered along the Lost Meadow Trail, where he was particularly drawn to the Night Blooming—a whimsical hive-like sculpture. Our spirits soared as we entered the Yao garden, it was a beautiful scene, even under the thick overcast skies. There was a little extra thrill crossing the 150-foot suspension bridge over The Ravine Experience, and we also enjoyed the art installations, like the Stacked Rocks, which sparked memories of roadtrips to Arizona.

One interesting installation we stumbled upon, was “The Lost Bird Project.” The bronze sculptures towered over Ronin, each one a poignant reminder of the birds that have vanished in North America. I watched him marvel at their size and posture, a mixture of awe and innocence on his face. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that these works of art represent not just beauty but also a sobering truth about extinction. For now, I just wanted him to appreciate the sculptures and our shared experience. As we continued our journey, I felt hopeful about nurturing Ronin’s connection to nature and instilling in him the importance of preservation. I look forward to many more hikes together, exploring the wonders of the natural world and the stories it has to tell.

Gratitude…

This week, my heart swells with gratitude for my daughter, Emily, and her family—Kris and little Ronin. Driving through the quiet darkness this morning, I reflected on the joy they bring into my life. Ronin, with his bright smile and boundless curiosity, seems to be flourishing in the love that surrounds him. It’s a beautiful sight to witness, knowing that he feels secure and confident in his little world. Emily and Kris are truly nurturing his spirit, creating a safe haven for exploration and growth. Their intentionality in parenting speaks volumes about the love and commitment they invest in his development, and it fills me with gratitude.

As I navigated the early-morning roads, Ronin in tow, my thoughts turned to how fortunate I am to be included in this beautiful journey. The way Emily and Kris embrace me in their family life, allowing me to share in Ronin’s milestones and adventures, brings me immense joy. Each moment spent with him, whether it’s watching him discover something new or simply saying “papa,” is a treasure I hold close. It reminds me of the importance of family connection. I am grateful for the warmth and love that we share, and I cherish every opportunity to witness Ronin’s growth and joy.

Today’s musings include some additional photos from time well spent after our morning hike at nearby Bubble Planet and Bellevue Square…

Reflections…

Today was a special urban hike, one that felt rich with love and connection. It marked Kelly’s and my anniversary, a day I spent in reflection a year ago, but this year was different. My grandson, Ronin, joined me, and his cheerful “papa” lifted my spirits as we walked along the beautiful paths. Meandering through the urban trail, I couldn’t help but feel the presence of Kelly. It was as if she was with us, her spirit alive in the joy of our adventures. Each step I took was a reminder of the beautiful life we shared, and I felt grateful for the chance, and responsibility, to pass those cherished memories on to Ronin. With the chill of the winter air around us, the city sounds in the background, and the scent of damp earth, I knew this hike would be filled with storytelling and connection, weaving together the fabric of our family’s legacy. This was today’s trail-thought.

As we wandered along the path, I began to share stories from our family history, tales that would someday connect Ronin to his roots. I told him about our winter trips to Bellevue Square, a holiday pilgrimage filled with excitement and chaos. I can still picture Kelly, her eyes filled with a blend of joy and exhaustion, as we navigated the bustling crowds to get in line for Santa (years that preceded the brilliant idea of booking a time). The laughter, and limited patience of the kids, mingled with the holiday music, creating a chaotic symphony of joy. I recounted how we’d wait in line for hours, the anticipation palpable, while Kelly kept the kids entertained with stories and games (I was on restroom run duties). “Did you know, buddy,” I said, pausing to see if I would get a reaction, “we used to brave the chaos just to see Santa? Your grandma was a pro at making those moments magical, no matter how wild it got.” I hoped he felt the warmth of those memories, even if he couldn’t fully grasp their significance just yet.

As we continued on the trail, I shared our cherished tradition of “Decoration Day,” the Friday after Thanksgiving, which he’s participated in for two years now. I described how our home would transform into a winter wonderland each year. The air would be filled with the sweet scent of apple cider simmering on the stove, mixed with fresh orange and the fragrant spices of cinnamon and cloves. I painted a picture of us unpacking the carefully stored ornaments, each one holding a story from our past. I explained their significance. “Every ornament tells a story,” I said. Our first set started with the 1991 Eight maids a-milking crystal ornament from Waterford’s 12-Days of Christmas, which is now joined by six different ’12-Days’ sets of various materials. I wanted him to hear the details of these simple traditions which represent threads woven into the tapestry of our family history, rich with love and memories that would last a lifetime. Someday, these rituals and traditions will anchor him, grounding him with solid footing in life’s adventures. For now, I’m sure I just sound like the teacher on a Charlie Brown holiday special, and that’s ok.

As we travelled further down the path, I couldn’t resist sharing our game nights, especially the excitement of playing Yahtzee with Kelly. “Oh, how she loved to shout when she rolled a Yahtzee!” I laughed, the memory brightening my heart. I recalled the way her eyes would light up with joy, the room filled with her laughter as she celebrated each victory. “It was more than just a game; it was about the joy we shared as a family,” I explained to Ronin, who was either listening intently, or tooting, it doesn’t really matter. I told him about the custom Yahtzee board I had made for her, a token of our love that still holds a special place in our home. “Every time we played, I hoped for her to roll that Yahtzee,” I said, smiling at the thought. Sharing these stories was my way of weaving him into our family’s narrative, ensuring he felt the warmth and joy that Kelly brought into our lives.

As we reached the end of our hike, I looked down at Ronin, feeling a profound sense of peace. Sharing these stories was a way to keep our family’s legacy alive, and I’m sure we’ll have many more years to retell these and other stories. His simple response, “papa,” echoed in my heart. I like to think he “got it.” Today, I realized that our family history is rich with love, resilience, and joy, waiting to be passed down through generations. I felt another nugget of purpose, knowing that I could share these memories with Ronin and help him carry forward the spirit of our family. There, on that urban trail, I found solace in knowing that our stories, filled with love and joy, would continue to shape our family for years to come. But for now, we continued our day at Bubble Planet and Bellevue Square. The path continues.

-Ken (and Ronin)