My Trip

As I had previously mentioned I had the privilege of returning to my hometown of Webb City Missouri for a family reunion with my siblings and parents. It had been 4 years since all the kids were in the same place at the same time. All the grand kids were present with the exception of my children who remained with Kevin at home. I would have loved for my family to be in attendance with me, due to a financial crunch they remained behind. My kids would have loved to meet their cousins and aunts and uncles. It would have been a lot of fun. Though I missed my husband and children being there I also very much enjoyed being there single. I was Aunt Sue again and could relax and play and visit rather than fuss over my family. I also had a lot of time to myself at various airports due to horribly long lay overs. I read A Tale of Two Cities (a revised version that I sell on my website) and started A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle (which I have since finished). So, you can imagine how long the lay overs actually were.

The trip had its good, bad, and ugly moments. Good moments obviously consisted of spending time with my family. I love them all, quirks and all. They wouldn't be family with out the quirks. It had been so long since I had seen them all. I had forgotten how much kids really do grow up in the absence of their Aunt Sue. I was so over joyed to see them all. I was needless to say a bit surprised at how much they had all grown. I didn't even recognize 95 percent of them, so upon my being re-introduced to them all I'd reply with a "Holy Cow!" or "Who is that!?" or something along those lines, and followed it with a squeeze. I did have a sibling who found it necessary for the first words out of their mouth upon seeing me for the first time in 4 years to be mocking words at my surprise toward each niece or nephew. But, that is my sibling, that is this person's way of saying "Gee Sis, it has been so long, I have missed you, how are you?" OK, that is what I am telling myself anyway, it takes the edge off! I was in such heaven at seeing my family again!

The bad and ugly were just typical "life" moments. Moments that should not be swept under a rug just because company is over. Life goes on even at family gatherings. There were moments of deep reflection for me. On my past life, present life, and even on my future. I was reminded that if it were not for my parents living in that cruddy little town I would never return. Seriously, who in their right mind looks forward to returning down a memory lane that has no good to offer. I have grown passed all that "wallowing" and I have moved on. I don't want that garbage in my memory any more. I thought I had thrown out the garbage but returning to that town only reminded me of the stench that was apparently lingering. I really just wanted to move my parents away from there so that I could see them more regularly without having to experience that "smell" again.

Anyway, I was there for 4 days and I enjoyed it. Like with all vacations I wish I could have had another one upon my return back home, just to recover from the late nights, no sleep, early mornings, constant activity, and long flights/layovers. I had to work the day I got back and it was a rough week following my trip, so recovery took longer than I would have liked. I had frequent dizzy spells and was quite dehydrated. But, don't worry, I am better now! I am sure you were really worried about me!

Now, upon finishing this whine fest I would like to conclude with this...families can be together forever. That is a gift that is available to all who seek it. I seek after that gift. I love my family...Mom, Dad, Misti, Michael, David, Cassandra, Cathryn, and Nanette and all their children and spouses. I love my sweet husband and daughters. I love my husbands family as though I have spent my whole life with them. I want to be with each and every one of these people for all eternity...quirks and all.