San Francisco, California A Visit with Jean, John, Lizzy and Richard Teerlink
September 16, 2008
Around 8:30 in the morning, our train reached Emeryville, California, the transfer point for all passengers whose destination was San Francisco. The designated mode of transport into downtown was by motor coach. After hailing a taxi to drive us to the Nob Hill Hotel from the ferry terminal, where the bus had taken us, we were exceptionally fortunate to find out that we could have early access to the only room that was available before the usual 3 p.m. check-in-time.
This beautiful turn-of-the-last-century Victorian hotel, located in downtown San Francisco, is unique in every way.
This beautiful turn-of-the-last-century Victorian hotel, located in downtown San Francisco, is unique in every way.
The reason it meant so much to us to have a room this morning was that our niece, Jean Craig-Teerlink, was meeting us in the afternoon, and that way we could shower and change clothes after a night on the train.
Once Jean met us at our hotel, we drove to the private school, where both her 8th grade daughter, Lizzy, and her 6th grade son, Richard, are students.
After having ice cream at their favorite ice cream shop, we drove to their lovely home, which we had never seen before. Being in San Francisco with family made it much more fun than simply
being a tourist. 
Richard and Richard...
Soon the two of us tagged along with Jean and their dog, Virsli, to take Richard to a soccer practice. From there Jean took us to a beach along San Francisco Bay to give Virsli some exercise. Dogs are welcome at this particular beach, and a dozen or so were showing off their prowess chasing balls, toys and each other. Jean told us that today was almost a perfect weather day for San Francisco. 
Jean is the oldest daughter of Dick’s twin sister, Ruth, and her husband, Stu, who have four daughters. Jean’s husband, John, is a prominent heart specialist in the San Francisco area.
We had the distinct pleasure of joining the family for dinner in their home and being able to hear firsthand about the busy lives they all lead. So often we hear negative things about today’s young people. Observing and talking with Lizzie and Richard gave us such hope for the future, that if they are at all representative of today’s youth, we are in better shape than we thought.
What a unique opportunity it was for us to spend some time with Jean and John and their children! 
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