My Destination

Our family finally took a "real" vacation this summer from Lincoln, NE to Milwaukee, WI. We travelled all day to reach our destination then we spent the next three days with my sister and her family. We picnicked on Lake Michigan, spent an afternoon at the beach, rode roller coasters at Six Flags near Chicago and attended a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. We then spent another full day driving home.

Will and I had never been willing to travel that distance because of the age and temperaments of our children. We felt we were finally in the position to handle it with our youngest child almost ready to turn three. With the help of a GPS to guide the way and with ipods, books, ad libs, munchies and a portable dvd player on hand our trip went fairly smoothly. We had a great time. We now know we can do it!!

Now that's the "family vacation". I have often dreamed of taking an "exotic vacation" where we fly away to a cozy resort right off the ocean or next to a mountainside. We would eat at quaint and fancy restaurants, stroll around shops, lay out by a beach or climb a beautiful mountain and sip wine. We would take in some entertainment, go on an excursion or two and come and go as we please. You know what I mean?

With 4 children at home and finances tight, the "exotic vacation" is truly a dream. There was a time too when the "family vacation" was just a dream. One day when my youngest child was about 9 months old I was wishing to go on vacation but was unable to. After feeling sorry for myself for a while my dream for the perfect vacation finally came to an end when I started interacting with my baby. As I was enjoying him the following poem popped into my mind. I hope you enjoy it.

My Destination

When I look at your toes
I need nowhere else to go
I kiss them and count them
and sing a song about them

I have arrived

As I watch you crawl across the floor
there isn’t anything else in life I want more
I see you discover
Everything is new - I relish in you

I have arrived

Then you turn to me - you need to see
I am watching you - I stay by you
and you look and smile
and I melt for a while

I have arrived

Whenever you sleep
especially in my arms
time stands still- Oh….I wish it could
I never understood
but now I do

I have arrived

You squeal with delight
I don’t need to take flight
You are my destination
my ocean, my mountain
my sun and my moon
That’s how God created you