“To know oneself is, above all, to know what one lacks. It is to measure oneself against Truth, and not the other way around. The first product of self-knowledge is humility . . .” ~ Flannery O’Connor
On that first night in Savannah, it rained and turned cooler. The world was changed. When we woke for a breakfast at Clary’s, the rain had just stopped. Water clung to the leaves and flowers, and the resurrection ferns had greened and lifted their fronds into the cool air. Hope and sadness intertwined, as it did in the weighty history of the city whose squares and ancient stones we walked upon. I was lucky to be with three of my favorite people ~ Andy and Mom and Dad ~ and together we did our best to make the most of our trip.
Spanish moss hung from most of the trees, a visual treat for Andy, who did his best to capture the effect with his camera. Mom and Dad slowly strolled through the squares as we made our way to a tour of the Mercer House. Early in the day, before the crowds arrived, this area was quiet and peaceful. It was exactly what we needed ~ a soft entry into the historical riches that were stored all over Savannah.
Tired from the walking and the tour, Dad wanted to head back to the hotel, and after sitting for a bit in a nearby square, we all ended up taking an afternoon break. A siesta is one of the greatest luxuries of a proper vacation. Andy and I took a nap as well, and when we woke the sun was well on its way down for the evening.
That night we had the greatest dinner of our trip ~ at The Olde Pink House. Easily the best Savannah restaurant we have been to yet, it was a magical night ~ a balmy antidote to the intrusion of all the serious concerns that getting older entailed. Our wonderful server Anjail was a highlight of the meal, guiding us to some of her favorite dishes and recommendations, and we followed every bit of her advice, to happy results.
I’ve always been thankful for my family and my husband, and never more-so than on this night. We didn’t want it to end, so we splurged on a couple of pieces of chocolate pecan pie. A contented sigh that could only be found in Savannah…
“Accepting oneself does not preclude an attempt to become better.” ~ Flannery O’Connor
