A Warm Reprieve

I received a wonderful gift from my doctors last month. They gave me the
go ahead to take a small vacation with my family!!

So last week, we headed down to Clearwater, Florida, for a few days of R&R.
I sat by the pool and relaxed. I walked along the beach with the Hubs and watched the surf.
I collected shells with my kids. I almost forgot about the upcoming months.

It was lovely.

And when I pack my bags for my long hospital stay, I will pack a special bag to
bring along. This will be my bag of memories: Going to the spa with my daughter
and laughing because we could not find the spa bathroom. Sitting and listening
to the "Turtle Lady" with my son at the local aquarium. Having a glass of champagne
with the Hubs. Sitting on the balcony of our room in rocking chairs just watching the
ocean.

I'll even pack the whiny normalcy that is traveling with a teenager and
a pre-teen. This includes the following gems:

"You guys are boneheads! Why do I have parents who are boneheads?"
"Way to poop the party, guys!"
"Moth-ER. It's pronounced Hos-TILE. Not Hos-til."

I treasure their bickering. I'm glad they don't treat me like I'm an invalid. Or something
fragile. They treat me like a normal mom. And for four glorious days, I got to be a normal
mom and a normal wife and just enjoy a vacation with my family.

Just what the doctor ordered!