Family Is Always Too Far Away

I haven't had the chance to blog about our trip to San Antonio yet. I was so excited to post our small successes that week, that I failed to post anything else about our trip. We had a great time in San Anton with the family and were blessed that John's aunt and uncle made the lengthy drive from Dallas to visit. The real purpose of the trip was to check in on Matt's father who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. The best part--we found him in great spirits and feeling pretty well considering the hormone treatments he's on. The trip was equally as important for us, as I think we both had knots in our stomach for the last month that were only going to be resolved by a hug from Dad. Cancer is an amazing disease. I'm never ceased to be amazed by the people who face it head on, with a positive attitude, and with the faith that God has a plan for them. Dad was originally told that his cancer was terminal, but the oncologist seems much more optimistic.

John's been blessed to have all 4 of his grandparents and 5 of his great-grandparents. I never felt like I missed anything not knowing my great-grandparents. And I definitely heard lots of stories about both of my grandfathers, who passed away before I was born. But I know how lucky John is to have the chance to spend time with these family patriarchs.

I can't help thinking about the great times I had playing with my grandmothers. My maternal grandma passed away when I was young, but I still remember many sleepovers at her house, being picked up from pre-school and wisked off to her office just down the road for a lunch of bologna and ketchup, and begging for pocket change to get a treat from the ice cream truck that drove down her street everyday during the summer. My paternal grammy and I became closer much later in life. I remember when I first learned I was pregnant she was in the ICU and I had such trepidation that she wouldn't make it to meet my little baby. Now, John and I enjoy taking her lunch periodically and sharing our new talents with her as he grows.

Matt's grandparents are all still around, so John has gotten to spend time with them whenever we make it to San Antonio. We are trying to take as many pictures as we can to help us remember these times with them. Trips to the pool for water aerobics with great-grandma Warren and coffee at Target with great-granddad Warren are always winners. Sitting with great-grandpa Garcia and wearing the clothes and hats that great-grandma Garcia makes for us are great memories.

Really, what it comes down to is that family and love is what makes the world tick. I wish we could live closer to both sets of family. I'm grateful that we have the means to visit Matt's family often and I'm looking forward to seeing them in October when they come up for John's birthday. Bottom line, no matter how close you live to your family...they're always too far away.

We miss you!