Our morning began as usual with three little boys sitting in the warm sunshine playing on their IPads. A warm breeze off the ocean brings in smells of the sea, the plants and the warm earth. It is fairly humid again today and promises to be warm. It is such a dramatic difference from the cold, dry climate we are returning to. We have spent the week barefoot with just the feel of warm sand under our feet.
Finding all the clothes and toys that have spread all over this large house is a chore. We started gathering them up last night, but a few items are still missing. Nothing too critical. The kids stuffed animals and blankets are safely stored in their backpacks for the trip home. Carter says he feels a little silly at 10 years old walking through the airport with a stuffed monkey on his backpack and I tell him to stuff it inside. He keeps it outside, though, where he can touch it.
Stella and I each did a round of Albuterol on her nebulizer. We are both coughing and wheezing. Kellen is mostly over his cough and no one else has fallen ill. We are all grateful for that. I'm guessing that the bug has passed over the rest of the group.
This has been a magical week. Our last family trip was to Sanibel Island and Stella was just a baby. She really doesn't remember the ocean. This time she spent hours on the beach and in the water. They will all remember the big house, the chilly swimming pool, the amazing beach, and the time together. Carter and Bennett are very eager to do more snorkeling. I think they may be disappointed when then see how cloudy many Minnesota lakes can be.
As we return we will need to use the strength of our family bond to bring Matt through his next surgery and rounds of chemo. This week has been a wonderful bubble of freedom from worries; with lots of time to relax and enjoy the value of time together. It is hard to leave knowing what awaits, but we go back to a large circle of family and friends who will be there for Matt.
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