Hayden, Idaho Vacation

One week ago tonight, I was enjoying dinner at a wonderful Mexican restaurant, Jalapenos, in Sandpoint, ID with Jerry, Staci and Clint, after an evening of "night skiing" at Schweitzer mountain. The night before we had eaten at "Second Avenue Pizza" in Sandpoint after a wet evening of skiing. We stopped at Walmart after skiing to get me some dry clothes since I was outnumbered in the vote to postpone pizza until the next day. It was a treat to be able to hang out with "the kids" and relive the days' adventures on the slopes. (mostly me reaching my lifetime record in most number of ugly bruises ever in a 48 hour period). I think I enjoyed the skiing more than most other times I'd gone, and found myself thinking it would be nice to live there so we could go more often. Maybe after Jerry retires, if Mom and Dad are still there...

It was a wonderful week with Mom and Dad, made especially bittersweet by the very real possibility that it might be our last time together. We had planned to ski in Winter Park, CO, but changed our plans after Mom had an experience of hearing from God that she "would not be going to India, but would be coming home". She had been scheduled to go to India on January 12, but cancelled her trip after hearing this revelation. Sunday was their pastor appreciation Sunday so I know it was special for them to have us there for that. The church potluck dinner and sing-along that evening was reminiscent of my days growing up in a small church and was deliciously nostalgic for me.

On Monday, Jerry and the kids went back up the mountain for a full day of skiing. Knowing that I couldn't have fun for anymore than a few hours before getting tired, I decided to stay home and spend our last day there with Mom. It was the right decision. We woke to a light snow that got heavier throughout the day, so I knew it was snowing on the mountain and the skiers would be happy. Monday is Mom's "retreat" day, spent in personal worship, prayer and meditation and she was happy to have me join her. We had a sweet day together, with God's presence being so real and near. The day together visiting, affirming each other and praying for each other was a gift from heaven.

Today is January 12 and Mom is still with us. I wonder what God meant. Or if it was really God speaking, rather than her own subconsious thoughts. Anyway, here we are. And I am grateful for our time together with them and each other.