There's No Place Like Home

We made it home Wednesday afternoon, a day ahead of schedule. The original plan was to spend the day in Denver at the hospital because both my brother and sister-in-law needed to go into work for awhile, so we were going to take the shift. But. My niece had a bad night Monday and into Tuesday morning, so tests were ordered and my sister-in-law called and told work she wouldn't be there. We spent the morning at the hospital, but with the weather reports coming in, we decided it might be best to head home. It was hard on Mom. I know she wanted to stay. But she has back trouble and this trip was not kind to her. My niece's recovery is going to be long--there is no way Mom could stay the whole time. Maybe 10 years ago, but her health just isn't up to it anymore. There have been times in the past when they were going through rough times and Mom went and stayed and helped around the house and took care of the other kids, but she just can't, anymore. The spirit is willing, but the body just can't do it. It hurts to see her like this. She was always so strong and active. I almost think it's harder for my brother to see her like this because he only sees her once or twice a year, whereas I have seen her gradually going down-hill.

Anyway, the whole point of this, before I got off track, was that we left just a few hours ahead of "Winter Storm Q". We stopped for the night in the middle of Kansas, got up early (with some nudging from me) and got back on the road. If we had stuck to our original plan to leave Wednesday we would probably just be getting started. As much as I wanted to be there, it's good to be home!

Update

We arrived in Denver safe and sound Thursday around noon. We drove through snow flurries for the last hour or so. We spent the afternoon at the hospital with my niece and brother. Then came on up to Cheyenne in the evening. The doctors think they have (most of) her symptoms diagnosed, but she still has a long road to recovery. She appears to be full of infection, therefore they can't do some of the tests that they would like until the infection clears up. Then more decisions have to be made about her treatment. We are staying here at the house, doing a few things. I'm not sure how much help we are. My brother and sister-in-law take turns driving back and forth to the hospital to stay with her. They both have to work Tuesday so we are going to go stay with her that day. At this moment, my step-dad is planning on heading back home on Wednesday and I will probably go with him. Mom is torn. She would like to stay, but she can't get around very well-she has her own health problems. I wish I was in the position to stay, but we can't really afford for me to miss more work than that.  I have been able to spend some time with my youngest niece (she's almost 16), which I really enjoy. I do find I miss the girls but my brother was career military and has always lived away. I just have to tell them I love them at every opportunity.

On The Road Again

My niece is ill, very ill. She was born with Spina Bifida and has had a host of other medical problems in her 22 years. She is in a hospital in Denver, which is about 90 miles from where they live. Yesterday my brother asked us to come out and help--they still have one daughter in High School, which means lots of running. I think maybe he just wants his family with him. So we are leaving first thing Wednesday morning, which gives me just two days to get everything taken care of and get packed. Plus, I came to the realization this morning that I have no cold-weather gear, and it's cold in Cheyenne! Oh, well. Family is family!

Kayla Dances and Danny Sings!

I admit a little self indulgence here. This is scenes and pictures I put together from my niece's wedding. It's done with a little Flip camera so it's shaky.  My brother and his family live 5 States away and I get nostalgic for the days when he was in a band and it seemed like we were always surrounded by music in one form or another. I used to dance all of the time. Since my husband doesn't dance, I don't anymore, either. I miss it. So, instead of taping the wedding like most normal people would do, I taped the dancing and the singing.

Glad to Be Home

My niece got married Saturday-- in Wyoming. That's about a 15 hour drive from here.  I don't like to fly so my folks drove and my son and I rode along.  I should say, my Stepfather drove and the rest of us rode along.  He is, or was, a truck driver.  I would be glad to take my turn at the wheel, but he doesn't offer.  Have you ever ridden with a truck driver? No matter how small the vehicle, he always drives like he is in a semi! We don't make many pit-stops, and no matter how late it is getting, we don't stop for the night until we get to specific places. There is no flexibility. The folks have a 4X4, or in other words, a monster truck!  Very roomy, but not terribly comfortable. Now that we are home, my back is killing me! My daughter and her partner flew in to to meet us.  The closest airport is Denver, which is about an hour and a half from my brother's, resulting in more time on the road. It was a nice wedding, and I wouldn't have missed my niece getting married for anything, so I'm not complaining. Her new husband seems like a nice guy who is good with her 7 year old son. I liked his family (you can tell alot about a person from his family) and he has a charming 3 year old son.(I don't say that often about children!)  Ready-made family! We stayed in Base guest lodging--my brother is retired Air Force and he and his wife both have Civilian Military jobs. It was nice--a small 3 bedroom apartment.  Plenty of beds for everyone and our own kitchen and bathroom.  No sleeping on an air-mattress in my brother's "man cave"! Plus, much cheaper than staying in a motel.  I highly recommend it!  

Bloody Dried Boogers

A couple of weeks ago Mom and I headed to Cheyenne Wyoming to attend my niece's graduation. My brother is based there with the Air Force. He wasn't too sure about it when he first moved there, but he loves it now and plans to retire there. I like the town--it's easy to get around and the people have always seemed nice. My brother has told me several times that I should move there because they have gorgeous summers, but I tell him they may be gorgeous, but they are too short! Now, if you have ever been there, I think you will agree that it isn't the prettiest area. But you get just a little ways away and the landscape improves dramatically. On this particular trip we took an afternoon and headed south to Estes Park, Colorado. We drove by The Stanley Motel, and then went to eat at a restaurant/micro-brewery. I wish we had had more time, I would have loved to explore some of the little shops uptown. Maybe next time! I think this may be my second favorite trip to visit (the number 1 time being when we went to see Brother dear in a karaoke contest!). Mom and I got along splendidly, which isn't always the case since we are too much alike, and we got to spend time with my brother without spouses and kids and in-laws. I wish it wasn't a 15 hour drive so I could go more often. The only problem is the dry air--it definitely gives me trouble!