July 26, 2008, out and about with the biggest reason I am me--Mama

Mama wanted to ride the MAX Light Rail and take in the sights. So on that sunny Saturday, we first rode the bus downtown from our apartment in the Alphabet District to have our favorite Portland brunch at the Bijou Cafe. Then we walked a few blocks and boarded the MAX Blue Line, west to Hillsboro. We rode all the way to the end of the line, got off that train and boarded the Blue Line to Gresham which is east of Portland. We didn't ride all the way out there, getting off instead at what was then PGE Park where we caught a 15 bus to get us within a couple blocks of home. We had a blast!



Here's a great example of Mama's outlook on life: Look ahead, take it in, and enjoy the view while you do!

I miss this little ol' lady a whole lot but am equally happy that she's not here to experience this cancer thing up close and personal. I wouldn't want to witness her initial fear and pain when I got the diagnosis. But, knowing her inner strength, I have no doubt that she'd be standing right beside me ready to reach out to squeeze my hand or give me a pat on the back.

TriMet shuttle buses, seen April 20, 2009, on the homebound commute.

I looked out the window as we pulled out of the bus stop on SW Morrison and noticed folks boarding buses at the MAX stop across the street from what was then called PGE Park, now known as Providence Park, where the Timbers play MLS soccer. Since something must be blocking the east/west MAX line and it was right after work, I knew lots of folks headed home towards Washington County would be impacted by taking shuttle buses rather than MAX trains .



I got off the bus and walked around to take a look at the shuttle buses as commuters boarded, impressed with their resigned calm demeanors. I wonder if those people had walked from the sight of whatever the problem was on the MAX line? Or if they had been shuttled from Pioneer Courthouse Square, the MAX stop prior to this one? At least it wasn't raining.