Before the stroke and when I had a career my priorities were: health, family, remuneration and responsibility. Post stroke, I “blew up” the health piece, was forced to retire but still have priorities. They are: family, fitness, fun, and financial contributions.
The family priority hit a pinnacle this week with some key activities and exemplified why it is so important to me.
On Monday my sister, Susie, flew to Austin from Las Vegas with her 21 yr. old son John. We planned 2 weeks ago to meet at the airport, drive to Houston and spend the night with my parents. I was particularly excited because I had not seen my nephew, John for many years and he is beginning his 4th year at Cal Poly. Bob dropped me at the airport and when we pulled up, Susie was in a rental car. Bob commented “there are 4 people in her car what’s going on?”
Unbeknownst to me, two of my sister Theresa’s children, Angela (18) and Joey (14), flew from Vermont that morning to meet Susie’s plane. Apparently, Theresa and Susie began planning this rendezvous’ four days prior to their arrival. Needless to say I was shocked when Angela and Joey popped out of the car. I can’t remember when I felt this elated before. We drove to Houston, shocked my parents. It’s wise not to give my Mother too much notice for these things to eliminate stress on what meals to prepare and where will everyone sleep. We determined it had been ~7 years since my parents and John were together John was so engaging with them and he indicated he would like to come for more frequent visits.
We returned to Austin Wednesday morning, made the obligatory stop at Rudy’s barbeque for lunch, spent the rest of the afternoon at Barton Springs. We had Mexican food for dinner where my brother John’s son Vincent (21) joined us. The highlight at the dinner was observing Joey and his art of conversation with his cousin 7 years his senior. He was “holding court” at his end of the table and I was in awe.
Thursday morning, Susie took everyone home to Vegas with her where she will show them all the tourist attractions.
The conclusion is at the end of the 36 hours with my family, I can with 100% confidence say there was no place else or anything I would have rather been doing. I’m so glad to be able to still do these things that mean so much to me. My nieces and nephews will be moving on to their adult lives and these visits will fade as their responsibilities grow. It is a wonderful time in life.
I believe I combined 2 priorities this week: family and fun my next blog will cover other priorities.
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