Nothing like a little last minute packing to get you in the traveling mood – or make you want to puke.  One or the other.  Of course this has been my modus operandi for close to thirty years, so why stop now? 

As I type I’m surrounded by stuff that needs to go in the suitcase – with a prayer that it will some how lighten when packed.  The house has been cleaned, keys made, itinerary passed about, and the freezer is stocked with Skinny Cows (there’s got to be some sort of sweet compensation for having to watch the affairs of another while they are visiting abroad, I mean really!).  Once I post this, I’ll check-in and spend the rest of the day trying to prepare for an early morning flight.  For all intents and purposes, we’re on our way …

If you’re new to this site, you’re probably wondering what in the world?  Here’s the story:  my brother and his wife had a baby boy last November – my mom’s first grandbaby, and my first godbaby! Well, isn’t that nice, you say.  Yes and no.  You see, they live in Sweden.  SWEDEN!  Just when we were trying to figure out how we could pull our pennies together for a visit, the clinic my mom works for threw her a birthday party.  It was complete with a cake that read “Happy Birthday grandma Debbie,”  leather luggage tags, leather passport holder, a ticket to Sweden and over $900.  She cried for weeks.  Being the good daughter that I am I mocked her endlessly for her sensitivity.  Then I received a card with $800 from my co-workers and cried like a baby.    

So tomorrow, my aunt and uncle will pick us up at 3:45 in the morning to take us to the airport.  We’ll check-in luggage adorned with tags purchased by friends.  We’ll hand over  boarding passes that were purchased by friends.  We’ll use sanitzers and lavender hand lotion given by friends.   We’ll give gifts on behalf of friends. We’ll share meals and otherwise make an abundance of memories because of friends. 

So you see, this is no ordinary holiday.  It’s proof of just how big and good the hearts of friends can be.  If you’re one such friend, thank you.  There are no words to express our gratitude.  I’d love to take you all with me.  But since trying to sneak you in on my carry-on might pose a bit of a problem, I’ll do the next best thing – blog!