Making Memories

Family reunions take some planning and ours was in the works long before I got sick.  No matter what, I was going to be there!  My Loving Spouse thinks I am stubborn, no Sweetie, that is called ‘tenacious’.  I was not going to miss the opportunity to give/get a lot of hugs.  From 3 states and many airplanes, we gathered in San Diego with all of my sisters, brothers, sons and grandchildren. 
My Loving Spouse and I were invited to join Number One Son and family to the world famous San Diego Zoo.  The only problem, was how slow I was moving and how little energy I still had.  Hmmm, my pride versus the opportunity to go to the zoo with THE Grandchildren.  THE Grandchildren easily won and I rented a mobility scooter to get around, which amused Number One to no end.I revved up that baby and did a couple of reverse donuts in high (ha ha) speed, just to show him, that I’ve still got ‘it’.

I did get tired.  I wasn’t any help to my brother and his wife who opened their home to 26 of us for the weekend.

I had prayed before I left for a humble heart and a loving mouth.  I think that is a pretty powerful prayer.

I got tired often, but the time together…precious. I marveled as cousins played together.  Cousins are one of God’s wonderful creations.  

Seeing my nephews’ with new eyes.  One nephew who’s outstanding distinction, last family reunion was running the mini-bike straight into the refreshment table, left me with a sweet new memory as he patiently ‘played’ soccer with 2 toddlers.

Some shenanigans were planned as the three eldest members were closely celebrating their birthdays.  150 or so birthday candles were lit.The conflagration was blown out and the layer of wax scraped off of the cake.  Believe me, I’ve never seen anything like it!

‘Someone’ left his good (extremely good/expensive) bottle of wine in the wrong cabinet and it got opened.  ‘Someone’ was not amused, but I did hear that it was really, really good.  Wish I’d had a glass.

THE Grandson got in a lot of pool time.

The best hugs came from these four.  My  brothers, my sisters.One of them is fighting cancer.  I could say, that is ‘his’ story, however, when it is someone you love, your brother, it cannot help but be apart of your story too.

I sat with a nephew and listened as he told me all the ways he was loving his dad.  Attempting to bring him the things that give him joy.  Helping him to get wet in the ocean, with his family.

As hot air balloons rose over us….The younger boys chased it up and over the yard…assisting the little ones, so they could be one of the cousin gang.

I left with hugs and tears…  We sat by the ocean for a bit before heading to the airport.

Grateful for the laughter and the love, for relating to family members in new ways, extremely difficult to say goodbye.

Blessed indeed, to have had the chance to make some more memories… all together.