On The Eve

Tomorrow, we will embark on a trip that has been in the works for over a year. My mom turned 60 earlier this year, and in celebration of that birthday her wish was that her whole family be together for a week in Maine. It’s the first time that all of us have been on a vacation together in many years. Actually, I think it’s the first time we have all been on vacation together ever. There have been other trips, including some of the extended family…Florida ’90, Cape Cod ’96ish, OBX ’02 come to mind. But those trips weren’t the whole family. This trip is almost the entire family, except for Uncle Joe and J.R., who were supposed to come but unfortunately have to stay home - they will be missed. Over the course of the week, schedules vary but for a few days all 25 of us will be in the same place, on the same vacation. That’s quite monumental, a rare opportunity to spend time with those we love and cherish dearly. Life is short, and we have to take these moments when they come. From the spacing of family vacations, you can see that it’s not often that we get this chance, this opportunity. I am grateful to my mom for making this happen…without her will and persistence, it wouldn’t be a reality. Everyone’s life is busy, pulling us all in different directions…but with a push, we can make something special like this happen. New places, new experiences with the ones we love, and I personally can’t wait.

25 People, 3 Houses, 1 Week - I’m sure it will pass quickly, but the memories will last a lifetime.