Under the Covers

My cat fell off the balcony plunging many feet below. I found him dazed on the balcony below as his nose spewed blood hours after he fell. I rushed him to the ER fearing internal injuries and left him overnight for observation. Two days later he seems almost back to normal, yet still a little drunk. I'm trying to figure out what this is supposed to teach me about life... besides the fact animals are a killer on the ole savings account and cats might really have nine lives?

The weekend went perfectly until that point. Did you know true joy can come from being under the covers in a hotel room? One of the best memories of my childhood is crawling into bed with my parents on a Saturday morning. Laughing and changing the channels. This was exactly what happened this weekend except I was under those covers with my niece and stepmother.

Friday night Dad and Brenda got in town and Steven, Ashley and the girls met us at Texas Land and Cattle. Nick accompanied us as well. After dinner Nick was excited to show Dad his home. We hung out on his new swing and watched some of the Cowboys game then we headed off for some homeade ice cream at Henrys.

Dad got to see my place the next morning. Kerkyn hid from everyone as usual, but we all hung out and enjoyed my condo. I love it!

Saturday we got up bright and early to do some shopping. Rylie was having a blast as we told her she had to hold our hands... so when she found some mannequins she decided holding their hands would suffice. We roamed around from store to store doing some school shopping for the teacher side of Ashley and Steven... and I think Brenda even ended up with a few things. I got bored so I went out and sat by Dad and we just looked out the window of the mall chatting. He hates shopping.

We all decided it was time for a swim... and who am I to pass up a time to lay by the pool?!! Ashley stayed in the room sleeping with Baby Saige while we all hit the pool. I cannot wait until Saige gets older to hang out... She is adorable with huge dimples and a big smile. She looks exactly like Steven! This is when the bed comes in. I was cold... as always... I jumped under the covers with Rylie and played Peek A Boo. She was having a blast with it. Brenda was holding Saige, Dad and Steven were watching TV and Ashley was somewhere in the room... It was just a picture perfect moment. There was laughter, love and warmth vibrating through the room. It just made me so happy.

The Corn clan left and we were all sad to see them go! We headed over to the Gray family's for dinner. Dianne and Jim had made a great brisket and we had a lovely chocolate cake. We spent hours talking... Dad and Brenda are so much like them... It's neat to hear all of their stories. I know each couple enjoys the company of other Christian sweet couples. I love to see my Dad light up telling his stories about golf and camping and life... He just enjoys it all so much. It was just plain wonderful.

After a pancake breakfast the next morning Dad and Brenda headed out. I was very sad to see them go. It was so great to have them in my world for a weekend. I loved showing them Dallas... They loathe the traffic and are overwhelmed by all of the eateries and choices! I enjoyed every single minute of being with them. So much of the weekend I had to make myself live in the moment because I kept anticipating how to entertain them next... I made myself slow down. I always say family is so important in life. They don't care about anything but what is inside. They just don't. Family is extraordinary. I've been having a tough time lately realizing I'm not anyone's "go to" as in sometimes you don't feel needed... even in family. Dad has Brenda... Now that Uncle Mike has moved his tennis professional work from Dallas to Abilene he now answers the phone when I call Grandmommy... Chandra is married... Gosh, everyone is married... So sometimes it's hard... The times I remember it's just all about the love of the entire family is when we are all in the same room. You're always needed somehow. Always loved.

Even with my cat... Nick stepped in to help make all of the decisions because I have no idea if people are trying to jip me... Jim Gray picked up Kerkyn very early the next morning so I could get to work... The Grays made a litterbox and waterbowl for Kerkyn until I could get there after work... Love is all around.

The kitty is banned from the balcony for a few days. Maybe this taught me a lesson in putting more back in savings. Maybe it taught me when you fall off a ledge that next time you'll be a little more careful on the tightrope so you don't get burned. Maybe it taught me that love is shown even to a fifteen pound animal when you are willing to stay up all night and shell out hundreds to make sure he lives. Love is about those small moments in your life when you realize trying to make all of the big moments perfect are pretty ridiculous because the best moments are happening all around.