In April of 2012 I was not able to get off to Albania entirely cleanly. At that time, I had a number of people and projects which required more time or care than I was able to provide. In one instance, I had agreed to help my friend build a camping trailer for his family. As the weeks evaporated like a mid-morning mist on Queen Anne Hill, I had to leave him and his project unsatisfied. To my surprise, Todd did not begrudge me my limitations. When I announced my return home, he quickly and eagerly invited me to see him and his family.
Todd and his wife Ann Marie have been friends of mine since 2005. At that time I worked for Carlisle Classic Homes as a carpenter. Their house in West Seattle was where I spent much of my time for a season or more, gutting and remodeling their kitchen, bathroom and daylight basement. I was honored to be thought of when Todd needed a hand building his trailer from the ground up with nothing more than a printed set of plans and instructions as his guide. I am even more deeply honored to be thought of by Todd as a friend.
Saturday I met Todd at 9AM. We exchanged updates about our week, and how we thought the Superbowl turned out. Over the course of our time together, Todd never seemed to stop smiling. Around 2PM we broke for lunch, and I got to experience Circa and their gigantic hamburger. Todd’s generous spirit was evident throughout the day. He is a loving father of three; a patient, caring, and thoughtful. As I was preparing to leave their house, Todd and Ann Marie asked that I visit more often. I left feeling like I have one more home in Seattle. God has provided one more sanctuary of health and well-being in my world, a world I am growing to love more each day.
albaniacalling 