Day 35

The weather today was beautiful.  The sun never stopped shining and we spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying it.

We worked out with a friend this morning, and then my neighbor down the lane, the one who is recently widowed, came down and invited us to a "lane" party tomorrow at 4.  The lady next door, the one who is in her nineties and still mows her lawn, is making blueberry pies for the entire lane!  We're looking so forward to the "pie party!"

My daughter attended the local Music Festival today.  Our village has it each year and it draws between 5-6,000 people.  She had a fabulous time and met a lot of new friends. 

We put up a volleyball net in the yard today.  We love to play volleyball.  I'm somewhat scared of the ball, but I still enjoy it .

We spent about three hours in the pool!  Our son is becoming an amazing swimmer!  We are thinking of putting him on a swim team. 

We decided to drive about half an hour to this huge outlet mall.  It was stunning in beauty and had every store one could possibly imagine.  There was an amazing view of the mountains.  On our way, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant and had some super tasty tacos.

So, it sounds like a fabulous day, doesn't  it?  It was!  So, what is wrong with me?  For some reason, I had "home" on my mind all day.  Obviously, the "home" I'm referring to is Illinois.  I wasn't longing necessarily for Illinois, but I was longing for my family.  They were on my mind all day.  No matter how much fun we had, I just couldn't get them off of my mind.

One of my sisters is in Vegas right now with her husband for her best friend's wedding.  Her boys stayed in Illinois with my mom.  The baby, bless his heart, got a fever right before it was time for them to leave for their flight.  I know, if I lived there right now, I would be there helping out.  I could stay at her house and take care of her boys and ease some of the load off of my mom.  My mom loves to do it, but I could at least be there keeping her company and having some fabulous conversation.

My other sister was treated unfairly today by people who have absolutely no right to treat her any way other than kind.  When I hear this, the "mother bear" instinct in me rears its ugly head.  I want to be there to be with her and talk about it, or to somehow defend her.  She's precious and doesn't deserve snotty attitudes.

I was making my way through the outlet mall.  The breeze felt wonderful and sun was beginning to set.  I was getting a headache.  The past two days have not been good as far as my headaches are concerned; however, I am still praying and believing for a complete healing.  I have total faith that will happen.  I felt so distant.  I could literally feel the distance between myself and my family.  It hurt.  It really did.  Some of my family will be here one week from tomorrow, so I know I will see them soon, but still...

We began the drive home from the mall.  Wow!  The scenery was breathtaking.  It just blew my mind.  We began driving through the mountains at Bear Mountain State Park.  My ears were popping because we were so high up in the air!  The montains were majestic and it looked as if they were rising straight out of the Hudson. 

We stopped at a lookout point to enjoy the view.  We just wanted to take it all in!  Of course, I didn't have my camera with me, but my husband had his cell phone, so I was able to capture some beautiful photos. 

I began to feel peace.  I was staring into the sky.  The sun was setting and the colors were magnificient.  It was vast and I felt so small.  I felt like the Lord put me there just at that time.  He knows what I need to make me feel rested and at peace. 
This may sound silly, but all I could think of was the cartoon 'An American Tail.'  I loved that cartoon.  My favorite part was when the song "Somewhere Out There" was played. 
The words, "And even though I know how very far apart we are, it helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright start.  And when the night winds start to sing a lonesome lullabye, it helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky," are, in my opinion, the most meaningful words in the song.

I smiled.  Yes, the distance between us is great, but so is the love.  It's a cord that can't be broken.  It wouldn't matter if I lived a zillion miles away.  We are all still sleeping underneath the same big sky!

After we took some pictures and got some ice cream (There just happened to be an ice cream truck there because the driver stopped to take pictures as well...lucky us!), we got into the car to finish our drive home.

I was all better.  My heart was peaceful and I was able to relfect on my day, smile, and thank the Lord for my blessings.