Setting Sail.......

Today my kids and I set sail for the OBX for a week......it has truly been a marathon to get here.......anybody that teaches in September knows what I mean, and single mothers too lol:) So many beginning of the year stuff to attend to.....and this trip is bringing up all the feels.....as I have said, I normally do not travel during the school year because leaving plans for a week is the equivalent of packing for a week's trip with a baby, or three babies lol:) SO much is required and certainly now at the beginning of the year......although my kiddos are in a good routine already and it has been going well.......but my point is it was no easy feat to leave the plans, and make sure it was all laid out for another person to step in, and I had intentionally saved my personal days from last year to make it happen too. We are able to roll a couple over......so all the pieces fell into place......the family peeps that are joining us are a sweet mix......it will be lovely......and the house we have is on the ocean.....having a pool too......and hot tubs......but more importantly it will be a special time with my uncle......I had written about him and his generosity and kindness my whole life.......taking me to the OBX every other year for the last 40 years......myself and so many others......and at Open House the other night, I shared some with the parents that came about my being away, and the emotion caught me in speaking about him......and how special this time really will be........ALS is a horrifying disease.....robbing him of so much of himself.....trapped in a body that is not functioning the way he needs it to........but his cognition is still sharp......so he is trapped inside......and it is so heartbreaking to bear witness to.....and my heart hurts for him......I had my favorite aunt from my dad's side pass of breast cancer when my son was small.......and this uncle is my favorite on my mom's side and spending this time with him is so so important........the weather is not looking too great.....but being beside the ocean in the rain is still kinda great:) And the weather normally always rallies anyway so I am not worried either way......it is a blessing to spend this time with my parents too.....a week, a rare treat as an adult:)....and of course my kiddos, and the rest of our family.....I woke up thinking of how many places I have taken my kids on my own.....clocking hundreds, likely thousands of miles with them over the last 6 years.....Tennessee, Michigan, OBX, Maine, and so many others.........and this morning has me conflicted.....it would be so lovely to have company or another person to share the drive with, but in my prior experience trips were way more difficult in my old life.....filled with stress and challenges.....so this way is actually easier in so many ways......my music will be my company and the car talks the kids and I have on our trips....some of my favorite ones, and the tunes we sing at the top of our lungs:) I am grateful to for the opportunity for this trip.....not costing me very much financially and a gift for the kids and I.......So by nightfall my toes will be in the sand, and my eyes on the ocean......and I will savor every moment of this trip for so many reasons.......I am a blessed human.....that is always true:) Happy Saturday xoxox