Gift: (n) something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, to honor an occasion.

I knew before I left for IL that it would be a time of laughter and remembrance. I knew that my niece and nephew would steal my heart all over again. I remembered that Nora would have a blast running around with Carter and Kerigan and chasing their new puppy, Charlie. I even knew that Melinda and I would have plenty of things to talk about, especially with Dan goading us on and making us laugh. I knew it would be busy, and I remembered to plan for all sorts of outings and happy times together. I knew we would be tired, and the kids would be weary sometimes, but we'd all go with the flow and cherish the moments. But even with all the planning and packing and remembering, there's one thing I forgot, and always fail to plan for-- how saying goodbye is the hardest part of all.





















Thanks, Dan and Minna, Carter and Kerigan, for days of memories that I'll hold as a special time between sisters and cousins. I can't even tell you how much I love you all; my throat aches so much right now. I miss you already. So very, very much.

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.
~Richard Bach

*I am heading back to CT tomorrow, and plan on having an overload of posts once I have time to catch my breath and resume reliable Internet service. LOTS of images to come!