I just spent a wonderful 9 days on vacation in Bogota, Colombia. My daughter and I took the opportunity to spend time together before she goes off to university soon.
We saw lots of friends and since I thoroughly enjoy shopping we did plenty of that as well!
It was a great time filled with so much love. The people of Colombia are some of the most amazing and compassionate people I have ever met.
More to come this week including photos and some interesting things I learned about myself, life and connection.
What is it you want to do more than anything else?
Recently, I started asking myself this question. My mind races from one thing to another rather quickly! For example, today I thought of skydiving, but then I might have to be pushed off the plane- instead of voluntarily jumping and that might be somewhat embarrassing! You know how you get all excited about something, then when it comes down to it, you wonder, “what was I thinking?”!
Seriously, I would like to skydive. And maybe roam some jungles. Travel to India, Italy and China (not on the same trip, however). I have a list, but for now I want to hear yours!
It could be a life dream or maybe just something you think about adding to your daily life.
What is your dream?
My daughter and I decided to visit my Mom, who lives 571 miles away…..that’s nearly 10 hours by car. We were feeling pretty energetic! We thought it would be fun and it would be wonderful to visit! And so our road trip began. Just the two of us, doing our own thing, having a great time! We talked, had some serious conversations (my favorite kind)! Laughed a lot, played trivia games, played all kinds of other games. Listened to music, realized “oldies” are now considered “classics”, which is good, since this is music from my teens! I drove, she drove, I drove while she slept. We stopped in a town called Jolly. It had an interesting gas station/restaurant/truckstop combo. We just filled the car with gas! We saw lots of funny signs, lots of road kill and lots of small towns. We enjoyed the journey. And when we arrived, we were greeted with open arms, a warm home and lots of love.
No, not a new show on NBC, not even a new formula for math, ministry, teaching or parenting! However it is the number of hours (24) it took my daughter and I to go on a spontaneous round trip across Texas (which btw is bigger than any state should be) to visit my Mom! And the actual time we got to spend with her in hours (48)! I can be talked into some crazy fun stuff by my kids, they are amazing. And when they do have these brilliant ideas, they always have a detailed plan. Which makes so much sense, it is hard to resist. My mom was really happy to see us. And we were overjoyed to see her. Although she recently moved out of the house I grew up in, and into a different city altogether when my father passed away, I find that “home” is wherever she is. Even though the time we had together was limited, it was well spent. It contained the three elements necessary for a successful visit!
1). Love ~ Hugs are always important, and in my family, given at every opportunity. Four or five people on a small couch is not considered crowded, it’s fun and cozy!
2). Laughter ~ Laughing at everything and anything! Sharing our lives and doubling our joys. My daughter was asking my Mom questions about my childhood. Not because I don’t share with her but because my Mom is a better storyteller! We laughed a lot! We caught up on other family members and of course, reminisced about my Dad. Smiling as we remembered his good advice, his sense of humor, his sweet spirit, his genuine heart. Sometimes the laughter turned into tears…
3). Lots of memories ~ My Mom started journaling and I continue to take pictures. I am happy that we record our moments together! Every time I visit my Mom, I see pieces of my life all around her home. What it used to be, memories of my father, my brother, my childhood, a life that seems so distant yet so familiar. When I am away from that too long, I desire to rush back to be wrapped, if only for a moment, in all that is my Mother’s heart.
The journey was amazing and the destiny was worth every mile!
