Hey- I really haven't fallen off of the face of the planet. I've been traveling for work and for personal pleasure too. Just got back from a visit with my parents in Florida.
My parents have lived in Florida, full time now for the last three years. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, it's the first time I have visited them in their new home. That's not to say that I haven't seen them or visited with them in these last three years- I just haven't done it in the state of Florida. Thankfully, I was able to make the trip at this time and am so glad I did. Now, I can put things in better perspective when talking to them. The people and the places they talk about now have a new point of reference for me. I can actually imagine where they are in their home when speaking to them on the phone. (And not just the one wall I see when we Skype.)
Frankly, after visiting them there, I really question why it took me so long. Logically, I can rationalize the timing of events, work, kid stuff, etc...but when you get down to brass tacks- there really shouldn't be that big of an issue. I'm pledging now to make it more of a priority. Spending time with my parents, with just one kid made the visit much different from when they visit me. Usually, I'm multi-tasking a handful of things the entire time they here. Preparing food, cleaning up, getting ready for whatever upcoming event the visit is scheduled around. It was nice to visit for visiting sake and not feel compelled to rush around to do anything in particular.
So, thanks Mom and Dad for such a nice time- thanks for taking each of my children at different times and spending time with them in your new home. Thanks for creating memories with them that will last a lifetime. Thanks for not ever playing the guilty card about my not visiting sooner and for making our time together so enjoyable.
As Youngest likes to say- "Florida Rocks"....yes it does- but only because of the people we love who are there.
