Not There
Today is my niece, Audrey's, first birthday. Oh, how I wish I could be there to celebrate with her! I've been so blessed to have been able to see Audrey twice in her first year...I'm very thankful for that. But today, I miss being just "over the mountain." I miss getting to load up the car and take a three-hour drive and share special moments with my sister and her family. I miss seeing my precious parents dote on their grandchildren, children, and sons-in-law - all of us just so happy to be together and content to laugh away the evening.
Even though I hate that I can't be there for the little things like birthday celebrations, I am so glad for the times we do get with our families when they come to visit (or I take short surprise visits to see them!). You have NO IDEA how special those times are for all of us. Sean and I don't take for granted the fact that both of our families not only want to come see us but they actually do come see us.
We've seen our parents and sisters, nieces and brother-in-law make some real sacrifices in order to come visit us. For many of them, coming to visit us was their first time out of the country. They got passports as soon as we left American soil. They braved the whole new world of international travel - passport in one hand, emailed instructions from us in the other hand, and eyes as big as saucers. They courageously argued with non-English speakers over their luggage. They brought down all manner of paraphernalia for us poor missionaries - we're talking everything from honey to computer parts to sound systems to bike helmets. Here is a list of some of the things that come to mind when I remember the things my loved ones went through just to see us:
Thank you, loved ones. Really. Knowing what you've done to come see us - and that you might be crazy enough to do it again - makes me feel so much better as I sit here wishing I could be there. I'm with you in spirit! And I look forward to the next adventure together and the memories we'll make during our rare but oh-so-special times together.
Oh, and I forgot.
Even though I hate that I can't be there for the little things like birthday celebrations, I am so glad for the times we do get with our families when they come to visit (or I take short surprise visits to see them!). You have NO IDEA how special those times are for all of us. Sean and I don't take for granted the fact that both of our families not only want to come see us but they actually do come see us.
We've seen our parents and sisters, nieces and brother-in-law make some real sacrifices in order to come visit us. For many of them, coming to visit us was their first time out of the country. They got passports as soon as we left American soil. They braved the whole new world of international travel - passport in one hand, emailed instructions from us in the other hand, and eyes as big as saucers. They courageously argued with non-English speakers over their luggage. They brought down all manner of paraphernalia for us poor missionaries - we're talking everything from honey to computer parts to sound systems to bike helmets. Here is a list of some of the things that come to mind when I remember the things my loved ones went through just to see us:
- My Dad learned Spanish - well enough to order his own pizza (and he did, even if the cashier was twittering behind his back as Dad proudly walked away, pizza in hand). Te quiero, Papa.
- My mom braved the international airways all alone just so she could help me out after I had Madison...okay, she wanted to see her new granddaughter and she (my mother) is stubborn...which, incidentally will take you a long way - even to the jungles of Ecuador!
- My in-laws willingly left their only daughter behind in an airport, for Pete's sake. (Okay, long story.)
- And my sister-in-law (also stubborn) made her way down by herself after spending some unexpected time in a snowy Denver with a suitcase full of Christmas presents and summer clothes...and no car .
- My father-in-law, refusing medical help lest he miss his plane, came to a third world country with a mangled finger.
- My sister choked down beans and rice for breakfast while in the throes of morning sickness...and then, a year later, dragged the new baby down for a visit!
- My thirteen year-old niece missed important track meets - and left behind her friends - just to see her dorky Aunt Becca...who, by the way, can't run worth a darn.
Thank you, loved ones. Really. Knowing what you've done to come see us - and that you might be crazy enough to do it again - makes me feel so much better as I sit here wishing I could be there. I'm with you in spirit! And I look forward to the next adventure together and the memories we'll make during our rare but oh-so-special times together.
Oh, and I forgot.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUDREY!!
Oh, Becca. We miss you so much, too. I just try not to think about it. But, oh, we have made blessed memories, haven't we? I can't wait for the next adventure to wherever you "crazy kids" are! Even though I still experience a faint nausea when I think of Costa Rica (or even write it...gulp), I'd do it over and over again. Audrey says "thanks" for remembering her and loves the picture of her looking so cool. Let me tell you, she has the attitude to go with the look! We love you!!!
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