Mini-vaca

We are getting ready to head to some beach cabins for the next two nights, so I wanted to check in with a brief update and then check out for a few days of relaxation . . . hopefully.

In answer to a lot of prayers and fingers being crossed, Brian finally made it home on Thursday night. He was so relieved to be home, and the kids were absolutely ecstatic when he walked in the door, especially because I didn't tell them that he was coming home that day (surprise!).

We attended the Coast Guard memorial on Friday morning, while my Mom watched the kids, and the service turned out absolutely beautiful. It was very well put together (especially in such a short period of time), it was extremely emotional, but it was also a good way for everyone to say goodbye and start healing. After the service and reception, we headed over to the club on base and enjoyed a drink with friends. I had to leave a bit early and take Zander to the doctor because he had developed an eye infection, but Brian stayed and enjoyed the get-together with his buddies. We met up at home a bit later, and then Brian and I were able to sneak away for a night out together since my Mom was here to keep an eye on the kids. We went downtown to a roof-top party at a fellow Coast Guardman's condo building, and it was nice to get away for a few hours and take a break from all the sadness.

Saturday we realized that something was wrong with the cat, so Brian spent much of the day taking him to the vet, where we discovered that he has a severe bladder infection and may be diabetic. Hopefully the latter is not the case!

Today we are heading to some military beach cabins that we reserved awhile back, not too far from Brian's work (one mile or so). Brian was supposed to be on leave this week, but because of the circumstances he felt that it was important to head back to work. So, the rest of us will enjoy the next three days at the cabin, and Brian will join us over his lunch hours and in the evenings (to spend the night) since we will be so conveniently located near his work.

We check out of the cabins on Wednesday, and my Mom will be leaving that evening. I cannot believe that this past month has flown by as fast as it has . . . and it will definitely be hard to see her go. But for now we will enjoy the time we have left!

BTW--thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers the past couple weeks! Your kind words and encouragement helped greatly during this tough time, and we really appreciate you all!