I’m a St. Louis Native. Born and bred. I love that town and everything in it. The most important reason I love that city is because my family all lives there. My mom and dad, two brothers and one sister, all their spouses and most of their children. No matter how many cities I transplant myself into, St. Louis will always be home to me.
Last week I had the opportunity to go to St. Louis for a week. I got the chance to see all my siblings and most of their kids. I spent time with an old friend, and we laughed together and cried together. Emotional therapy, folks. I took my children to a few yummy places that we never get to eat at in Wisconsin (Imo’s Pizza! Lion’s Choice!) and they had the luxury of being treated like princes and princesses by their grandparents. My parents have a strict rule about sugar in their house… as in, no child can ever consume too much sugar on their watch. Soda? yep. Ice cream? definitely. They were also treated to new shoes and a trip to the mall. Did I step in and say no? Well, I tried. I only about half-succeeded. My parents are so thrilled to see my children, who they only see about 2 or 3 times a year. They love on my kids how they want to, and by God, I’m going to let them.
This is what summer vacation is. This is what I want my kids to experience: Family members showering them with love, however they define that. My kids definitely got a healthy dose of love shown to them. I did too. This trip to St. Louis was good for my soul. Good for my kids’ souls. Good for my parents’ souls. Good for all of us.
Every moment counts. Every “I love you” is important. Every laugh and hug and kind word is what our love is built upon. I am so blessed to have such a solid foundation.