My Sabbatical

I am very blessed to work for a company that gives a four week paid sabbatical to their employees every four years. My sabbatical happened upon me kinda quickly and I didn't get my act together fast enough to go on the trip I wanted to initially go on. But that's the beauty in procrastination. Instead of Europe, I was fortunate enough to do the Sister's Tour 2009! I started in Pittsburgh with Joanie and had the greatest time. It was leisurely and packed full all in one. We went to at least four museums, including Frick Park, where this cute little conservatory was, and even to Phipps Conservatory, which dwarfs this building much like the awesome dinosaur skeletons at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History dwarfed anyone standing near them. What an awesome experience! Somedays I was on my own and other days I had the sweet company of my little sister. What a treat for me. She is just so special to me and it is a privilege to call her my sister and friend. When I find the cord to my camera, I will post more pics and write more details...

My next stop was San Diego to visit Kelly. An hour layover in Vegas turned into a lucky stop; I won $100 on a poker slot machine even though I had been warned about playing the slots in the airport. Anyway, I ended up in San Diego having the most precious time with my newest niece, Maggie. I didn't know babies could be so happy. She smiles all the time and laughs her little heart out. And she loved me. I had the best time just hanging out watching her explore her new found world. (She started walking a few days before I got there). Kelly is such a good and thoughtful mother. It is both odd and magnificent watching your younger sister become a mother to another human being. This was the little girl you played with and taunted your whole life and now here she sits in front of you with a little girl of her own. Wow. After about a week, I decided it was time to move on and visit Sabra and the kids, so dad met me at Viejas and drove me home to Yuma.

And then the reality of Sabra's new life hit me. I had hardly anytime with her, but I couldn't complain because she has hardly anytime to breathe anymore. Two jobs, four kids, a master's degree at night. Uh, no. I couldn't do it. I didn't think I could admire Sabra anymore than I did, but she one upped herself again. I honestly don't know how she does it. I wish Sabra peace and a quiet place to read a good book. I was happy to get a long afternoon with her as she drove me home to Phoenix. Each visit to Sabra's home reminds me that I must make it a priority to visit her and my family in Yuma more than once a year. I need to stop making excuses.

So I thank you all for your hospitality; opening your homes and hearts to me. I am proud to call you my sisters and humbled to call you my friends. I love you!