Leavin' On a Jet Plane

All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...

Yes, Friends! This ole "home body" that rarely goes anywhere is taking a trip. My family was quite shocked when I announced my plans, but they have been incredibly supportive. They just might be more pleased about this than I am if that's actually possible. Everyone says, "I am SO HAPPY that you're going!" You think maybe they're trying to get rid of me or somethin'?

Nah, they're just surprised that I'm leaving home for three whole weeks. Mama don't get out much, ya know! ; )

While I can't tell you exactly where I'm going due to the hazards of Cyber Space, I can tell you that I will be spending three glorious weeks somewhere in the Great Lakes region. That's a long way from Mississippi! I'm still pinching myself to make sure that I'm not dreaming.

Some extra special friends have been brave enough to invite me into their home for an extended visit. I reminded my dear hostess, Diane, that "Guests, like fish, smell after three days". Apparently she has enough air freshener on hand to cover the odor, although it's really the sweet fragrance of her grace and friendship that leaves me smelling like a rose. I love you, Diane!!

This trip is a very special one for me! Though Diane has been my dearest friend and closest confidant for the last five years, we have only seen one another in person on two occasions - her son's wedding, and Papa's funeral. Her son, Tyler, was one of Jonathan's Coast Guard roommates when they were stationed in Florida. When Jonathan was killed, Diane compassionately reached out to me as a hurting mother. We began corresponding frequently by email and became close friends. She is the person who knows all of my secrets and likes me anyway. : )

Through Diane, I have come to know many other wonderful people including some that I have never actually met. This trip will give me the opportunity to get acquainted with all of them in the real world. I especially look forward to spending time with my sweet friend, Joann, who is courageously battling ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Though my online time will be extremely limited while I'm away, I will try to post now and then. Since I haven't been posting too frequently of late, you probably won't even notice that I'm gone. : ) I'll be taking each one of you with me in my heart, and I will look forward to catching up with your blogs upon my return. Meanwhile, I am leaving Daffodil Hill and all of the fur babies in very capable hands.

Many, many thanks to everyone who has made this trip possible! You know who you are. : ) Please keep me in your prayers as I go.

Warmest hugs,
Daff