WOW!!!

So I mentioned last week, that Doc and I celebrated our 35th anniversary.  A milestone for most marriages these days.  We have certainly been through thick and thin but in the process have kept our faith and family strong and at the center of our lives.  This past weekend was a real testimony to just how wonderful our family is and how awesome the kids are.  (Sorry for bragging, but you will understand in just a second.)

So, a few months ago, not long after our New Year's Eve family wedding event, the gang got together and decided that Doc and I had not had a vacation without them in a very, very, very, very long time.  These wonderful children along with their tremendous spouses and significant others got together and planned a vacation for us.

Now, I am not talking about a little trip to Cleveland for a long weekend and a football game (or comedy as it would be) or symphony performance and dinner out, or anything like that.  This bunch showed their love by shipping us off to Jamaica for five days.  Just as Ohio was beginning to get colder, we were sitting on a beach in Montego Bay, sipping rum punches and having delightfully relaxed dinners. 

Believe me, their effort was huge because I am not a good traveler.  I am a real homebody who was prepared to fight this thing tooth and nail.  I am that person who worries about flying and disasters.  Weird, because I would never let my kids do that!  I would and have gently reminded them that God is with them in their travels as he is at home.  Well, I caved and I will now admit that it was a great idea and extremely appreciated!!!!  I had forgotten what it was like not to have constant demands being placed on me by family and work.  I had forgotten (almost, because the phone is lost so often) what it is like to turn off the computer, the phone, all of it. 

I cannot thank our beautiful family enough for taking charge and sending us off for some much needed R&R.  So again, forgive me for bragging but our gang is the greatest!!!!  And I guess it is fair to say, when your kids are little and you are having a really rough time, remember that there is hope and if you take the time to raise them with your love, the love comes back to you in ways your cannot even believe.  The love comes back to us from this gang every day, and obviously sometimes in very special ways. 

Enjoy the rest of your week.  Remember to take time to smell the roses and slow down and count all those blessings that God sends your way.  And as the Jamaicans say, "No worries!"