An Ode to Family

As we rounded the bend of East Sunrise Drive for our drive back to Indy, a route I've taken probably hundreds of times over the years, my dad turned to me and said, "Well, Em, we're sure glad you came.  Wish that weather could have been better."  My reply was something along the lines of what a great time I had in spite of the overcast skies and 60ish temperatures.  Upon reflecting on this exchange a little later, I realized my response may have lacked some heart; it probably sounded less than convincing as I distractedly looked out the window trying to hold back my emotions as I've learned to do since I moved to DC, 500 miles away from my immediate family.  Plus, it was no secret that it was challenge all week keeping the kids occupied and semi-well behaved as the weatherman continued to deliver grim news.  By the end of our stay, everyone, including me, was feeling a little exhausted.  

For the record, though, I treasured the time at the lake a few weeks ago with my family. While we may not have basked in the warm sunshine or cruised over to the Frog for a waterside lunch as usual, we were witness to some moments, rather sublime and simple, that really attest to love and devotion amongst family members, the reason it's important to take a time out from daily life and spend a vacation together.  Moments like when William danced in delight as his Uncle Will played the guitar or when he shrieked in laughter as he wrestled his much older cousins in a living room battle.  Oh yeah, and it didn't escape me, when clean laundry mysteriously appeared in my room three or four times care of my sister, Eileen, or when my brother, Chris, suddenly dashed into the bathroom to assist me in calming down my screaming son for a bath following an especially messy run-in with birthday cake.   Are these memories ones from elaborate outings and carefully planned events?  Nope.  This trip was all about moments like sitting back with a freshly brewed cup of (decaf) coffee, enjoying walks with the gals, napping on the couch a few afternoons, and staying up late to watch movies with mom. 

So, as I put together a photo album for William so he can remember the fun he had at Lake Wawasee in the summer of 2009 and to possibly provide an answer to his non-stop queries of everyone's location and whereabouts these days, I close my eyes, say a little prayer of thanksgiving and realize that after seven years of living away from my midwest-based family, a vacation together is always a welcome reminder of how much I love 'em all and how hard it still is to say goodbye at the lake on Sunday afternoons.