time away

I am back from a time away, not only from the computer but also from home. I was treated by Mr. Gameboy to 6 days in my hometown visiting my mom and others who I have not seen in a long while.

He enjoyed seeing those places he barely remembers since moving to the midwest. We had a beautiful day at Niagara Falls. When I was younger I spent much time there with friends/boyfriends walking the paths and listening to the roar of the water. On a hot day, nothing was better than walking the shaded path to Three Sisters Island and dipping your foot in the coolness of the shallow, calm water, that, just a few yards farther down, would turn into raging and dangerous rapids. The water spray would blow in the wind and cool our faces as well. Wonderful memories came flooding back as we walked that nice day!

I spent some time with my nephew and sister in law (who is now divorced from my brother) and Mr. Gameboy and he got along so well despite a 6 year age difference.

I saw an old friend who hadn't seen Mr. Gameboy since he was a bald baby and toddler.

I saw my dad's brother and his wife. He looks so much like my father it tugged at my heartstrings and I fought back tears.

I saw cousins I had not seen since my dad passed away and who had never met Mr. Gameboy (I was not able to take the kids with me when dad passed away).

Mom treated us to wonderful food choices, the likes of which we do not have in this area. Pizza and chicken wings can't be beat from that area! Ice cream was delightful and a treat as well, especially for Mr. Gameboy, the ice cream fiend!

I spent Sunday at mom's church where the pastor is a childhood friend of mine (the one my mom secretly wished I would marry!). I never would have guessed he would be a pastor someday!

Mr. Gameboy found an admirer in a senior lady in mom's building who just adored him. She is so lonely and welcomed our company whenever we could get down to visit her.

Of course, like all things, it wasn't all roses. There is the family stuff to deal with in respect to my brothers. One I did sit and talk to although I am saddened by how he chooses to live his life. Mr. Gameboy and I had a talk about that and how God wants us to live even when we are adults. This particular brother has not grown up yet and it is hurting his son so much.

The other brother refuses to acknowledge I am alive. That's okay. I can live with that. Mom can't though. She wants harmony and refuses to see that most likely harmony won't happen this side of heaven.

We visited dad's grave. That was the first time I had been there. It was difficult but I know he is in a better place and not in that ground.

I was very sick the last night there and had flight issues getting home. Sitting in an airport for 4 hours is not fun when you feel well; it is even less so when you feel awful. I was very thankful to get home into my own bed as was Mr. Gameboy.

All in all, I am glad I went. More importantly, I am glad to be back HOME...here, with my husband, Mr. Gameboy, Miss Musicwriter, Mr. Well Rounded, and Miss Bookworm, my kitty and puppy. I love all of them so much.