What a memorable first Sunday of spring for the three of us!   It encompassed a pristine, crisp morning and bikeride along the Eastside Esplanade and Springwater Corridor, the delight of discovering a quirky wondrous new hang-out, and a heartfelt discussion on  end-of-life issues that our parents and we are facing/faced.

The entry to Sellwood’s Tea Chai Te outlet is through an old Spokane/Portland/Seattle rail car, which houses some unusual seating/table options.  You then descend stairs to a newly built alcove which houses the shop’s counter, additional seating/tables, full plate glass windows overlooking an outside pond and seating area, and a tie-in to what looks like an older Sellwood home.  Despite our having visited more than 115 shops, and two of us having construction-related backgrounds, we were all impressed by what the owners had created here.  (Be aware we didn’t see any coffee being sold, and the shop opens at 9.)

Our discussion began with D. telling us that his mother was in hospice, and how valiant she had been her last couple of years.  Before being moved to Oregon three years ago, she had talked of not wanting to linger through her last years; but even though she had suffered a stroke, her time in Oregon had been marked by optimism, and making strong connections with her caregivers and the new people she met.  H. and J. shared their own experiences; sadly H’s mom who had always been an extrovert, turned resentful and inward after being moved here.  We theorized on whether we – knowing that most elderly are either upbeat or cranky during their last years – will be able to influence our attitudes when that time comes.

D then told us of his research regarding burial options, and how his mom will have a green burial at Riverview Cemetery.  J told us how in rural Greece bodies are buried for a year, then the bones are dug up and the site is re-used for a new body, with the bones put in a bone house.  We agreed setting aside permanently a plot of land for one body didn’t make sense.

Switching focus from parents to children,  J joyfully told us of his daughter’s purchase of her first home off NE Alberta.               7983 SE 13th        http://www.teachaite.com/tea_s/82.htm