I'm leaving soon for FL and my son's wedding. With my daughter and her family, we'll drive to Chicago and fly to Miami on the 4th, the wedding is on the 7th and we'll fly back on March 11. I may not have computer access during this time and will also be very busy.
It will also be a reunion with people I last saw at Mom's funeral and with one whom I have not seen for much longer than that, my Ex. My sister will also be there, and sadly there is still some tension in the air caused by her denial of Mom's condition and her criticism of my ways of dealing with Mom for 5 years. But my wonderful brother and sister in law are also coming, and it will be a joy to see them again. All my children and all my grandchildren will finally be together again after several years - my son and grandddaughter from Germany will also be there.
There will be a lot of happiness and also some awkward moments.
I wish my Mom had been able to experience this wedding of her youngest grandchild - but no, the way she was that last year, she would not have been able to attend anyway, and her death was a release from her suffering.
I'll miss all of you and will spend some time reading your postings when I return.
I am so happy for you going on this trip, especially for such a happy occasion as your sons wedding. We will miss you so very much while you're gone, and will pray for you to have a wonderful time and to come home safely. I'm sure there may be a few awkward moments with Sister, but perhaps it is a good sign that she is attending the wedding.....shows that she still wants to be part of "family". Believe me Martha, I'm about to give birth and none of my family have even acknowledged it, so there is hope my friend!!!! Maybe this happy occasion can be something to help smooth over some waters? Regardless, first and foremost, you have a wonderful time, and go bless those people with your wonderful presence!!!!! Hope all goes well.....and thank you so much for all your support this past week.
Your trip sounds wonderful and seeing your son and granddaughter from Germany is a bonus. I'm so very glad for you. It's always a treat for us Moms to have our children all together isn't it?
Other than being around your Ex () I'm certain it will be a happy occasion. You'll be missed here and we'll be waiting for your report when you return home.
Even if you have to pay for them, get family portraits taken now that everyone is together. Especially one with all the grandchildren. Then get one with your brother, sister and you. Put aside any issues, swallow and enjoy the happiness.
But those pictures will become very important in the future. And its a rare occasion when everyone is together and all dressed up!!!
The trip sounds phantastic Martha and I hope you enjoy every minute of it. Don't let the awkward potentia cast any shadow on any of the smiles and laughter the event will give you. Just ignore the negative and focus on the positive. Yes, pictures are a must. Sometimes to bring home with you and cherish. Have a wonderful time, enjoy the festivities and the people you love. Have a safe trip, refresh your spirit, and reenergize yourself. Yes, you will be miss here, but knowing you are having a special time make is all worthwhile. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back
Oh Martha,
How wonderful that you get to see all of the kids and grand kids. Do make sure to get pics of everyone. It may be a last chance type of pics. It gets so seldom that you get everyone in one spot these days! Enjoy having your sister and brother together..and know that your brother will protect you against your sister if she dares say anything!
Keep a towel in your back pocket and know that we are all enjoying the festivities with you-and protecting your back!
Good advice, from picture taking to eating and dancing and bringing a sweater. We are leaving from Chicago - we will have not only sweaters but winter jackets, hats, gloves and boots on ... It was 8 degrees early this AM ....
What a coincidence. Mom just gave me the weather in Chicago while we were on the phone. She was watching the weather channel and totally confused about what our weather would be tonight.... until she realized they were talking abotu Chicago! Whatever you do Martha... leave the cold behind and have a phantastic time!!!
Martha
It sounds like a wonderful combination of family members will be there. That should be a fun visit. Seeing all the family, and the different ages, different personalities!! That will make for an interesting time. Enjoy have fun! Eat good !! take lots of Pics. Those family photos are always great to have to look back at!!
Greetings from Florida. The wedding yesterday was absolutely beautiful, from the church ceremony, with the bride's grandfather taking the service (coming out of retirement and not having done a wedding for 12 years, he stumbled a bit over the words, but it was nice he was doing it) ... fabulous reception, in an outdoor restaurant with trees lit up in sparkly little lights, warm weather, moon and stars above, a mariachi band and later dancing music ... everyone had a wonderful time and I feel as if I have a new daughter.
it's too bad my Mom was not able to be here but by now she would be 100 so that was not to be expected ... my 96 year old Aunt also couldn't make it although still alive and healthy in SC.
I finally have all my kids and all my grandkids together here, and my 2 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, and will return home on Wednesday.
God bless all of you still struggling with this disease.
I am so happy that you are having a good trip Martha. Enjoy every minute, and soak up all that it has to offer you. You are missed here but it fills us with hope and joy that you are having such a fantastic time. Enjoy the rest of your time there and have a safe trip back home.
I had a great time. The night before we left, I had all 3 children, my Ex, all 3 children's partners, and all 3 grandchildren together for a nice dinner which my Ex paid for (surprise!) It was in honor of 2 recent 40th birthdays (older son and son in law) and one upcoming 70th birthday (mine!)
Sad that my Mom could not experience this wedding. But I find myself taking her place in some ways. She held the family together and made sure they got together at intervals. The last one was her 90th birthday in 1998. Now I plan to organize some kind of reunion every now and then and see to it that all my family gets there!
My sister and husband, my brother and wife, were also there for the wedding, and I met many many members of the new daughter in law's family who came from far and wide to be there. It was an absolutely memorable occasion.
Hi Martha,
So glad to have you back, we missed you! Even happier to hear everything went well, and you had a great time......it's wonderful to hear you enjoying yourself.....
It sounds like a special occassion for sure Martha. Yes, in many ways you have stepped up and become the glue that holds the family together. It suits you. Hopefully there will be many more occassions just as this one for you to enjoy. But... glad you are back
Families 
) I'm certain it will be a happy occasion. You'll be missed here and we'll be waiting for your report when you return home.
