Friday in Maastricht

We sit at the edge at one of the cafes that cross the street from the main Maastricht Square. The prominent, exquisite architecture of the 13th century churches rise up before us. The Protestant Church with its sentinel red tower overlooks it all.

I am tired and my feet hurt and this distracts me from grief but it allows gratitude to bubble up between the aches.

Thank you, God for this most amazing day. I stand in the Maastricht Vrijhof square and close my weary eyes.

I hear the motors of distant vehicles. There is the gentle tinkling of bicycles pedaling past behind me and the lyrical deep,undulating voices from the row of cafes across from me. Cool, crisp air fills my lungs as I appreciate what I once shared with Philip here where we once danced and I now share with my beste Elske and Marijo. We will always have Maastricht, my friend and friends.

The cobblestone roads (Or are they brick?) make paths through this river city which we walk and share with the plentiful bikes and less frequent cars. They are at times uneven but the character they lend is nothing but charm. Tall buildings meet the sidewalk like a slot canyon meets the inner path. Some have winkles, Dutch for stores, and restaurants on their street levels, some with housing above. Maastricht is an old city with new imaginative reuses. All decorated for Sinterclaus with magical lights and garlands. It inspires me to overcome sadness with the inklings of celebration

And celebrate we do at Elske’s son Micah’s home. Eggplant risotto with my favorite Pofferjets for first dessert and for second dessert a sampling of the musical talents of Micah and Annuk.

What a perfect way to end our time in the city Philip and I cherished together.