Back to Life, Back to Reality

We had the best time at the beach.  It was so calm and peaceful.  It is amazing how you can get rejuvenated and rested by taking a trip to the beach.  We went with Thara's sister, her husband, their two girls, and Thara's parents.  It was great because our kids had our undivided attention.  We played.  A lot.  We listened.  A lot.  My kids were good travelers for the most part.  They both loved the sand and the water.  Mady loved riding the elevator in the condo.  She was so cute repeating what the elevator would say.  It was  great that our kids had someone to play with on the trip.  It was bittersweet for me to go.  We haven't gone anywhere in 3 years.  Branson doesn't count.  Ha!  It was great that Thara could get away from work.  When you own a small business, that isn't always easy to do.  Also, with my Dad so ill and my Mom taking care of him, it was always on my mind.  He got worse on our trip so we hurried back.  I am so sorry that I didn't get to meet up with Laura at Lake Village or Jackson.  We just didn't stop for long periods of time on our way back.  Cancer is tough.  Chemo is rough.  My dad is doing just ok with his fight.  The cancer counts are going down.  It is infections that he constantly gets.  He is diabetic and he just doesn't heal fast.  He isn't walking well on his own right now.  He is in so much pain.  My Mom is a great care taker.  I try to help give her breaks when I can. Home health nurses do come by and check on him.  We just don't leave him alone anymore.  We just always hope and pray that he will get back to doing the things he loved doing.