catiedid

This is how my weekend ended. The spectacular display was a fitting ending to a weekend filled with the love of my family. I shut out all the chaos in my life and threw myself into filling my time with the people that matter the most to me in this world.
When I left the family cookout this evening my 85 year Grandma hugged me extra tight. Her tiny body so frail in my arms, I was afraid if I hugged her too tight back she might break. She seems awfully frail to me. And always standing beside her is my 94 year old Grandpa. He doesn't always know where he is or what is going on, but he always has my Grandma in his sight. The love they have for one another and for their family is overwhelming.
My sister cried as I left. And my brothers, while retaining their tough guy exterior, seemed genuinely happy I was home. My wonderful mother, as I was leaving, was planning my next trip home and her first trip to Little Rock. I miss my family. I feel as if I have been away too long and I don't come back enough. I will make it a point to spend more time with them and I think they will make the effort to come see me as well. Especially now since I will be in Little Rock...my redneck brothers (and I say that with so much love) will feel right at home!
I am looking at a long drive back to Virginia tomorrow and a couple weeks of complete chaos. Packing, moving, driving to Little Rock (with 2 cats, a dog and a guinea pig). My kids I will be leaving here in Indiana and they will join me in Little Rock in about a week and a half. I have never been away from my kids that long and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it.
So much was put into perspective for me this weekend. I have a long journey ahead of me. I know what I need to do and I will do it. I am a strong woman with a family who loves me unconditionally. I am a lucky woman.
I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th. And I hope you all feel as blessed as I do.