I am tired tonight. It’s been a long day getting Ray home from the hospital and also getting ready to head to Texas. If all goes well, we’ll be on a plane tomorrow morning.

It could be said that we should just stay home. Certainly, my sister-in-law, Sandra, would understand from on high. And I know her kids would understand, as well, since Ray just had surgery yesterday. And maybe it is a bit crazy for him to get on a plane tomorrow. But…

This is the only time this event will occur. There will be no other one for Sandra. And I have found in my own life that friendships can be measured by who shows up at weddings and funerals. Plus, there is something important about gathering with others who have loved the person you’ve loved. That ritual is in place for a reason – we need to be together to honor that person who has touched each of our lives.

Ray is up and about. He is sore, but with pain meds he’s not unhappy. He knows that this is important. He said, “Just get me to my bed in Texas and I’ll be fine.”

He also wants to be with all three of his daughters and that will happen this weekend. His recent brush with instant illness has provided the impetus to get him on that plane.

Off to bed now. We are up early. We always look forward to going home to Texas.