Refreshed

I left for Oregon a little over two weeks ago and returned last week happy to see my boys!  Of course the trip went by much too quickly.  I was thrilled that we had the chance to see more missed faces than I thought we would due to the organization of my in-laws. I'd forgotten how wonderful our home state was. It's been two years since we loaded up our family in a mini-van and drove the long journey from one coast to the other.

I drove past our house that we rent out, feeling very happy to see the flowers I planted the first year we lived there have thrived and hopefully have graced the vases of another family. I was able to catch up with some friends and their sweet girls whom Haylie has missed terribly.

I stayed over at Nick's parents the night after our plane got in and was treated to one of my favorite meals, chicken fried chicken and homemade fries! The next morning we were even blessed with pancakes *smile* . The same night we stayed over many other members of Nick's side of the family stopped by. It was so wonderful that they got to meet Ava for the first time! It was a much needed visit and I don't think I realized just how much I miss seeing everyone on an almost weekly basis.

We spent the rest of our time with my parents and my grandparents.  I don't know how much more time my sweet grandfather has left on this earth. According to his doctors he shouldn't be alive today. I wanted him to meet Ava. I wanted him to know that I love him, not that he doesn't know, but I needed to say it. It had been two years since I'd seen him and it was easy to see how parts of him have deteriorated. It's taken me a while since we've returned to type this out because every time I try the tears start flowing. I've experienced loss in my life, loss in my family, loss of someone very close, but not this close. My grandfather is very much like my own dad. He taught me to read, to tell one color from the other, what a triangle is, and how to play many different card games by the early age of 5. He invested in me. He showed me that patience and kindness go much further than a short-temper. He once told me the best piece of advice he could give me is to always show up five minutes early (although I can't say I always do!). Seeing him opened the flood gates of thankfulness I have for my family and pained me because Nick and I are so far from everyone.

The time I spent there went much too quickly but was very meaningful. I came back feeling refreshed and thinking maybe I can handle another two years in Virginia.  It was at such a perfect time in my life to just be with my family and surrounded by a plentiful view of greenery. I wish so much Nick could have come with us but I am hopeful that one day we will be taking that dreadful mini-van trip back to the other coast.