Wishing

Tuesday morning, after we celebrated our little Brennon's big day, Randy and I were supposed to board an early flight for Randy's earned President's Club trip to Aruba.  We had plans to go on a 4x4 Jeep excursion and a catamaran/snorkeling trip.  Because Randy is Scuba certified, he had plans to go scuba diving, while I planned to lay out on the beach, reading.  We had plans to play just enough to make our lazy relaxation feel a little less guilty.  Most of all, we planned to be together in a beautiful place.

Today would have been our last day on the island.  We would have left later tonight for a flight to Atlanta, Georgia, making our connecting flight back home tomorrow.  I imagine we would be packing our hotel room at the posh Marriott, wishing we could stay for just one more night, yet anxious to get home to our kids.  We love time away, but we are always so excited to come home to their hugs and kisses.  We would take a look around, just one more time, to memorize the beauty of Aruba.

Instead we are packing our bags for a different trip.  We are looking around, trying to memorize the beauty of our family together in our posh home.  We are wishing we could stay in these moments just one more night, yet anxious to return to Seattle for the surgery.  One thing about our week that we got to do- that was no different than our Aruba plans- was spend time together in a beautiful place.  Home.

We may not have made it to Aruba, but... or didn't we?!

Mid-weeks, Randy's boss, Craig, and his wife Linda, sent us this picture.  At first, it may just look like a bunch of rocks, but if you look dead center, you'll see a small tower of rocks.  Craig and Linda helped us be in Aruba after all.

"Randy- don't want to overstep bounds, but Aruba, on the north shore, has a million little human-built rock formations.  They are called Wishing Rocks.  Linda and I built this for your family and Caden.  We did it towards sea to give him energy to beat this thing- and our wish and prayer for success as he faces the future.  Our prayers remain with you.  ~Craig and Linda."

Because of this love and thoughtfulness, Randy and I were able to make it to Aruba in the only way we could, yet partake of the beauty of time spent at home as a whole family.  One day we may make it to Aruba in person, but I doubt it will be any more wonderful than this moment captured here.

The week in Aruba was supposed to recharge us after the stresses of 2014 and 2015.  We may not be as relaxed, but we are certainly rested.  It has been a nice time at home.  We have been able to play, although not as rambunctiously as we used to.  Caden doesn't have strength to do much, but without the threat of more chemo, he is much improved emotionally.  He is also recovering physically from the effects of chemo, although I fear it will take extensive time to recover from the effects of starving for 6 weeks.  But, if there is one that that we have learned, it's to enjoy each moment, without wishing for what may have been.

Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers.