Dixieland

I am in South Carolina!  I came to celebrate my birthday with my family and take in a much needed vacation.  I arrived on Saturday and went straight to see my darling grandmother who is 94 years old.  Her health is failing rapidly and I knew this may be my last time to see her, hold her hand and tell her I love her.  She still has that wicked spark in her eyes.  I’ll write more on this later–it’s taking some time for my emotions to recycle and some understanding to surface. 

Yesterday I slept in until 9AM!  I read a book.  I sat by the pool.  I played water games with my niece and nephew–games that I think they made up on the spot.  All I know is that some of the rules were kinda’ fishy! 

It’s still kind of odd hearing my family call me “Ron” or “Uncle Ron”.  At times it reminds me of my past and the baggage that comes with that.  At other times it reminds me I am home with the people who know everything about me and love me still.

Hilton Head, SC

My mom and I have been sharing a room in the condo.  By 10 o’clock last night I was ready for sleep but mom and Sarah Grace, my niece, were enjoying a spirited game of Uno!  The house was full though and there was no where else for them to play.  So my mother–who has mellowed out a lot as a grandmother–suggested to Sarah Grace that they go play in the bathroom.  I must admit it was kinda’ cool to hear them laughing and giggling from the bathroom as I drifted off to sleep.

Today “the boys” are out deep sea fishing and “the girls” went finger painting.  My mom is reading The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (with a little encouragement from me ) and I have just finished reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. 

Of course, what would vacation be without a little drama.  I am thankful that this holiday it’s not family fireworks–but Hurricane Hanna.  She is approaching us from the tropics and her anticipated landfall is Friday.  We should know by Thursday if we are going to have to evacuate.

But for now… I’ll look away to Dixieland.