The loss is of a loved one a difficult thing. My mother passed away on August fourth this summer.  Though this was a time of mourning, it was also a time when my family came together after a long separation.  Despite a saddened heart, I looked forward to gathering with family, most of whom I had not seen in years.

 Matt and Jeff, my young nephews arrived a few days before the funeral.  As children these brothers had lived with me for one year. They were four and six years of age at the time.  They are now in their twenties, with wives and productive careers.    Jeff has three young children, Holly, Gavin and Silas.   They arrived, exhausted and grateful to bunk on my couch and floor.  The following days were filled with talk about our lives, the children and some “remember whens”.  We laughed over the time the boys had removed their clothes so they could play in a pile of corn feed without getting them dirty. Despite our grieving we were contented and pleased to be in each other’s company again.

During one afternoon of togetherness, a silly conversation grew into one of those inside jokes that families often have. It became one of those wonderful and funny things that can only happen among people who are comfortable with each other.   A business idea arose when my nephew mentioned a coffee shop in Seattle that features shirtless female baristas. We laughed over this concept and ideas began to roll. I thought a shop catering to women would be preferable; a shop where talented male baristas shed their shirts but kept their suspenders along with pants and fireman hats. Of course these men would be well built, muscular and handsome. They would draw in female customers by the hundreds and we would make a fortune. Jeff suggested the name “The Firehouse”. We continued this “business planning” from time to time throughout the week, strategizing and laughing over hiring methods. It was fun and it lightened everyone’s frame of mind.

We laughed a lot, but more importantly we became close again. Plans for “The Firehouse” continue via face book. I love this silly discussion, because it draws my nephews near again. It’s a silly joke and I don’t think there will ever be a “Firehouse” coffee shop, but the warmth and laughter our private little yarn ignites is worth so much more. If “The Firehouse” ever becomes a reality, I will hang a picture of my mother on its walls.

P.S. It was a nephew who suggested naming my blog “The Firehouse”.