Derailed ...

Have you ever had 'life' toss one thing after another at you …
on and on and on. It seems like too much,
but if you can get on the other side, you find your stronger.
You survived – and even found some blessings along the way.

Less than two months ago,
in the middle of the usual chaos of our lives,
my beloved aunt died.
My uncle was devastated.

We were in the car less than three hours after his call –
an eleven-hour trip for a 'mini-vacation' we didn't want to face.
Three days later, while we were at my uncle's,
I got a voice mail that my 52-year-old brother had died
seven states away.

I tell you this not as an excuse,
but to explain why you haven't heard from us in a while.
Sometimes, trips aren't vacations.
Even business trips can provide relaxation and fun.
But that fateful call to learn that a loved one is gone
puts every plan on hold while you sort
through the emotions and details
and paperwork and changes in your life.

I wouldn't wish my aunt back –
she had Alzheimers and cancer at 87.
I don't wish my brother back;
he had lung cancer from a lifetime of cigarettes.
... But I miss them both.
And I know I'll see them again
when I take the ultimate trip to heaven.

In the meantime, travel well.
Make every day an adventure.
Hug your family and friends.
And count your blessings, whatever they are.
Remember, life is a journey ~ travel first class!