thoughts...

My life here has been a serious rollercoaster. I guess the gist is...I've been away for such a long time, I forgot how life is here. It has taken an entire month to establish a relationship with 2 of my neices and 1 nephew... that isn't initated by me. Today, exactly 1 month after arriving here in Georgia, my youngest neice came running to me when I walked in, calling my name and gave me a big hug. I didn't realize how that would affect me. Usually, Lolly is the aunt of choice. But today, just for once, I was the first choice. Not that I'm jealous of Lolly.... She has, afterall, earned that right. She lives right next door to them and sees them nearly every day. Those children adore her. It was just such a nice suprise. Lolly's kids have always been sweet to me, but I'm sure that has to do mostly with the fact that she consistantly talks to her kids about us. She calls us on the phone. She visits. So, returning this time was no different. They all came to me with open arms with hugs and kisses...and no shyness. Wonderful. Surpisingly, tho, is the pairing of our children. That has been interesting to watch. My parents are still my parents. They both love us... and there are sides to them I see that suprise me. 2 of my sisters and I took my mom to Olive Garden. There we laughed like we haven't in years! It was wonderful. My dad's health has it's ups and downs. His memory is not so hot. He took me out on a "daddy daughter date" today.... shooting his beloved rifles. And brought along one of my brothers. It was fun, but wayyy too much testosterone. When they starting braggin' on what the guns could do, all I could comprehend was Blah blah blah. Still, it was fun to watch my dad do something he so enjoyed. Bittersweet, when he talked of giving his guns away. It's inevitable. But still hard to think about. Anyway- we leave on Monday, to fly to Kansas. Who knows what we will come across there!? It affects each of us differently...but all in all we are all in sync...and feel there is a purpose for us there.

"I see my path, but I don't konw where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it."--Rosalia de Castro