VACATION IS OVER ... BACK TO "LIFE"

Unfortunately I have lost my toolbars that enable me to change the font size, make it bold, italicized, etc. Guess I'll have to contact my son for some help!

Anyways, I AM back from vacation and trying to readjust to "real life". I have been struggling with migraine headaches since we returned and I know it must be from stress but I don't know how to combat the stress ... except to run away again! (smile)

We had an AWESOME vacation in Olympic National Park. God blessed us, once again, with ideal weather. We spent a total of 9 days backpacking in the "back country" and had total seclusion from others. God allowed us to see so much wildlife ... including our long desired BEAR! We totally lost track of what day it was and very easily adjusted to not having a "schedule" of what to do or where to go next.

It is strange, though, that in the midst of my most joyous times relaxing in God's great outdoors I was often overwhelmed with "homesickness" for my kids, their spouses, and our grandbabies. I wanted so bad to have them with us to share the joys. Perhaps it was worse because I know that my two youngest grandbabies have started walking in the past couple months and I have not seen either one of them since they have started. I think I am quite spoiled with seeing my grandbabies at least every other month now and summer makes that a bit difficult. It also "blows me away" to realize my oldest grandchild will be starting pre-school this fall. It seems so unfair that I can't watch them grow up but I know it is something I just must accept. I sure do understand how my parents felt now and how horribly heartbreaking it must have been for them to only see their grandbabies on the average of once a year. I never totally understood why it was so hard for them to accept ... I was so busy and happy with my "little family". I also missed my mom one day especially. I was in a Walmart and watched a lady about my age wrap her arms around her frail mother and say "I love you, too, Mom" and I immediately recalled such times my mom and I had in Walmart and how much I wish I had made time to be with her even more. REGRETS. We can never go back and change the past, no matter how much we wish we could. SO I am determined to do my best to go to extra lengths to MAKE TIME for those I love as much as possible so I can spare myself of some future regrets.

God has blessed me so much. I found myself talking to him constantly as we were backpacking ... sometimes for 2 hours or more, occasionally stopping to talk to my "Sweetie". During those times when I was talking to God the journey was so easy. When we finished our talk for the day, I seemed to struggle at times with cramps in my leg or feet so I would just start praising Him for His blessings to try to take my mind off it. The few pains and discomforts of the backpacking journey were so worth it in exchange for the times of rest, quietness, peace, and joyful times Jim and I were able to enjoy together.

Well, I may have this migraine pretty well whooped so I think I will try to get some work done around the house. Back to "real life" ... I will survive.