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We crushed on St. George, with its picturesque scenery and small town, quaint, feel. We dined deliciously and enjoyed nights out at the movies. Hours were spent at the pool playing and relaxing in the weather's perfect temps as our unseasoned skin was devoured by Mr. Sunshine's kisses. We enjoyed hiking excursions with the kids, quickly learning our boys take after their dad, quite apprehensive when it comes to heights, luckily with their hands held tight, they ended up doing just fine.
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While the boys enjoyed racing the wind on their bikes, Kim and I laced up our running shoes and took off chasing the desert heat. We indulged in a long run, racing up and over hills, as tiny lizards scattered across our path. The adrenaline rush came when a large snake, chillin' on the side of our trail, raised its head in our direction. I came upon it so quickly I didn't have time to think. I surely shut my eyes, yelled an obscenity,and ran by it as fast as I could. Out of its way I turned to yell at Kim, a few feet behind. I jumped, arms flailing, screaming, "SNAKE" as loud as I could, cuz this girl was fearful for her buddy. Kim, for sure, is my tough, thick-skinned friend, constantly calming my weak nerves and cleaning up after my train wrecks, but one thing is question less.
GIRL HAS NO SUFFERANCE FOR SNAKES!
....and like me, she came upon it so quickly she had no choice but to run right by, closing her eyes and shouting obscenities. She didn't really mention shouting obscenities, but it makes me feel better to think she did too, wink wink.
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We snapped one last photo of the fam. standing smack in front of the condo before piling reluctantly into the car for the long haul home. It wasn't but sixty seconds before Avery was sobbing sad tears for leaving our friends and beautiful St. George. I get it. She's a sensitive soul, like her mama. I tried to console her and reassure her those sad feelings would go away, because I knew they would. "Think back on all the fun things we did. Just think of them. Put a smile on your face and BE happy that we were able to come and have such a wonderful time. "
I truly am grateful for experiences and memories like these. I'm happy we bit the bullet and used a little tax return money to head south for spring break, because I think something magical happens when you step away from the stresses and busyness of every day life, taking time elsewhere with your loved ones.
Sharing the break with our dear, "fun seeking" friends was an added bonus. We relish in the same likes and enjoy the comfort of each other's easy, laid back company. They've been so overly generous, loving, and supportive to us over the years that its hard not to think of them as family. "They're GOOD to us" Bob and I always say.
I love em' and will be forever grateful for that goodness, because its carried us and held us afloat through some really difficult times, and the great transforming truth is that our burdens can be lifted and lightened and our attitudes changed, in the midst of crisis when sickness enters a home of fine health, because the good will of others aids in greater acceptance, and gratitude for what we have instead of pining for what we lack. And just one year ago during spring break with Bob sporting a wound vac, a large hole in his leg, and the inability to get near the pool and do all the active things he enjoys, it was scary and hard and sad. |
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... but we made that climb, not alone but with the care, concern, and lots of help from family and friends, and its a time in our lives I hold dear and like to look back and reflect upon from time to time because this girl NEEDS those reminders. You see, it was during that stretch our love for each other, family and friends, was strengthened. Our thoughts became focused and we were more readily able to determine what was really important in life
and what was merely trivial,
because at the top of that summit our eyes were opened,
AND I'LL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE VIEW.
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