Mom's Visit to MN

After a brief hiatus, I'm back to the world of blogging...

My Mom (Patricia) ventured up from my hometown in FL to the Northwest to visit a few weeks ago (7/21 - 7/25) and it was a great time! We did the MOA (Mall of America thing), the Walker Art Center, the Guthrie Theatre (His Girl Friday), the Farmers' Market, a stone massage for her at Life Time Fitness, various meals at Uptown restaurants, and finally church at Solomon's Porch.

If that sounds a little exhausting, you're right - it was. But, with parental visits occurring once a decade, you have to make the most of it... Also, we were in the weather sweet spot of 6 weeks where FL and MN have similar weather patterns. In other words, she felt right at home. Sweaters were only required in the evenings. As an aside, Maggie is wearing the "lamp shade thing" in the photo because she was licking the hair off one of her paws. The vet explained that it could be anything from anxiety to a mosquito bite. Either way, it was a $50 vet bill for the "lamp shade thing" and dog neosporin. Thanks be to God for pet insurance.

In between great talks with my Mom, introducing her to my friends, and explaining this "MN Nice phenomenon", I realized that I am very blessed to have such caring parents. My stepdad didn't make the trip due to a bad back and the news that his sister (Aunt Jeanette) had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer the week before.

During her visit, I noticed the aging of my Mom and the need to help her realize dreams that she has while her health allows her to travel. With 4 kids, my folks made a lot of sacrifices for me and my sisters to have the things we have. It sure was nice to see her live out a dream this weekend. That was a very small gift back to her.

Oh, and what did she think of my new friends (read: rotating support group, moving crew, and Onstar assistance)? She said, "God has blessed you with so many 'good people'. I won't have to worry about you being so far away anymore." She also thought that my church was great. I think her quote was, "I've never seen so many positive young people. If there were a church like this in our home town, I would definitely attend". As you can see, that's why I love my Mom...