Very Nice, Thanks For Asking

Oh yes.

That was a much better road trip than we "enjoyed" last year. At one point though, there was miles and miles of backup on the I-35 just north of Austin because two semi trucks collided, but it was o.k. For me, at least. The only reason I know what was at the head of that line was because I passed it going the other direction. Whew!

I actually made it to East Dallas in 5 hours. And finished the trip in the same time on the way home--almost to the minute.

I was there, of course, to honor my Aunt's birthday. This is the Aunt that is always busy about the Lord's work, but available at the same time. It's a delicate balance, and I don't think there are many folks who do it well.

I was there, too, to try to pick up some Spanish from my Tia Eli. And to relish the childless quiet. And to meander around my Grandfather's home looking at old pictures and making new memories in their midst. And maybe to tinker on her piano a little...

Below is a picture of their very old organ at the base of the stairs. Aren't you curious to see the keys and hear how they sound? Well, don't. Don't open the lid. To close it again will require a special serviceman.

I'm not kidding, and don't ask me how I know.

I didn't pull out the camera as much as in previous years. Maybe I just wanted to live in the moment with them rather than try to reconstruct a memory from a dim participation later.

That was Sunday morning. Aunt #1 didn't know I took this picture, and I hope she's not going to call me tomorrow and ask me to take it down. Isn't that a lovely jacket she's wearing? I think I forgot to tell her so because I was a little nervous that morning. I was to give my testimony to the Sunday School class and had no idea what I was going to say, and then I would offer some special music--in Spanish--during the service.

It was a blessing for me to be willing to try, and I pray that God was glorified. (O.k., that statement was pious hind-sight--where everything is 20/20; really, in the moment, I was just scared and wanted to wake up with laryngitis!)

I met lots of people on this trip that I hadn't expected to meet. I met two, too-beautiful-for-their-own-good teens at the church. They were so kind to me, but my heart's desire is that they will show as much respect to the parents who brought them into the world and provide for their needs every day.

I met a sweet family in which the 43-year-old daughter is fighting for her life against terminal cancer. She had the sweetest countenance; I don't know that mine would be so joyful. But, of course, as of today I've not been called to walk that trial and find that kind of grace.

Praise the Lord.

I met some of my cousins at their parents' home on the spur of the moment. That kind of hospitality is what the Bible is talking about, I'm convinced. How kind and generous are my Aunt and Uncle to open their home at a moment's notice so that we may enjoy an evening of fellowship. They have made me feel wanted and loved in the Lord.

But as delightful as my weekend away was, this was the best moment...

Surely absence makes the heart grow fonder. I love these people.