Going Home

 I have not posted about my Mom's health, but I guess I ought to, since this is a journal for our family.  Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer 2 months ago. We planned to be out to visit this summer, but Miranda called me and mentioned that all my siblings were going to try to get together for Mom's birthday, which fell on Mother's Day this year.  After a bit of thought, I decided I did not want to be the only kid missing from this epic celebration.  I did not tell Mom I was coming out and I bought tickets to fly into Springfield. I coordinated with Jonathan and Kristy (since they live closest to the airport).  Kristy picked me up at 8pm Thursday and on Friday, Jonathan an I drove down to Mom and Dad's house.  Miranda and her family was already there.  Deborah and Andy and their families arrived Friday night, and Adam flew in from Oregon late-late Friday night and surprised Mom on Saturday.  It was awesome and amazing and so worth the trip!

I had a 4 hour layover in Narita after the 3 hour fright from Okinawa.  I worked on getting my steps in and did some laps around the airport before the long leg of the trip.

I'm on the plane and ready to be bored out of my mind for the next 11.5 hours.  Whoopeee!! 

I had a layover in Dallas and then it was only 1.5 hours to Springfield.

Mom was at the doctor's when I arrived.  When she got home, the little kids lured her to check out this sweet tent we'd just put up.  She went inside and I snuck down so when she came out of the tent, I was there.  It was fantastic.

Totally made it worth the long flight and travel!

Of course I went to Walmart on Friday!!!

And I drooled over the quantity and variety of fruit and was bitterly jealous of the low prices. 

And Adam surprised Mom on Saturday morning and it was the best thing ever.