Still Miles to Go

“Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal!” – Mark Timothy Allen

While saying goodbye to my uncle, he held me tight. Although he had just lost his husband (my uncle Mark), Jeff touched me by his words: “Since last Tuesday, I’ve been trying really hard to find the little blessings in life.”

I think that’s important. Sometimes, we get caught up in the pains – both small and large – in life. They’re probably more memorable. After all, how frequently do we overlook things like having dinner with a friend, hugging goodbye, or receiving an “I love you” from a loved one? Especially when they’re overshadowed by crummy bosses, viruses, and inadequate income. What if that was your last dinner, your last hug, your last “I love you”?

My uncle told us that one of his “little blessings” was having Keith and me out from Boston. And our little blessing was being able to be there for loved ones who were in pain. Before I was reminded of this blessing, it was overshadowed by loss, pain, and stress of travel. See? It’s easy for these blessings to be obscured.

So I dug deep and found some wonderful “little blessings” from the past week:

• I am blessed to have known and loved an amazing man. And to have received his amazing and beautiful love in return.
• I am blessed that Elena (part of our “Massachusetts Family”) was able to drop us off at the airport.
• I am blessed that my brother-in-law, Shawn, was willing and able to pick us up from the airport in the wee hours of the morning. The late night drive was both enjoyable and healing.
• I am blessed that my brother was able to come down from San Francisco to be with our family.
• I am blessed that I was able to say my goodbye in person.



An amazing man... forever missed

• I am blessed that I was able to have time to share stories, laugh, and cry with family. And that my family is so awesome that I’d actually want to spend that time. 😉
• I am blessed that part of my Northern California family was able to join us. And that we were able to bond over breakfast at Mr. T’s.



Breakfast at Mr. T's

• I am blessed that we got to see some of our high school and college friends. And that they were so understanding that this trip was primarily for family.
• I am blessed that I got to see my mom and step-dad despite their busy schedules. And that I got to visit with my step-brother, his wife, and their two kids.
• I am blessed that I got to join my dads for karaoke. And that I got to meet – and revisit with – some of their good friends.


My dad, rocking the stage

• I am blessed that I got to spend time with my brother. He’s one of my favorite people in the world and I don’t think I tell him that frequently enough.



• I am blessed that we had time to spend with my in-laws.
• I am blessed that my “sister,” Stefani, was so amazing and supportive through the healing process. And that she was able to pick us up from Logan Airport.
• I am blessed that I was able to I give and receive some of the best hugs I can remember.
• I am blessed to be loved by so many amazing people. And to love so many people in return.


(Almost) all the grandchildren

• I am blessed to have a husband who stands by my side through it all.
• Finally, I am blessed to have been able to come home for an extremely cathartic week.

You know, looking over this list, I would venture to say that most of these are big blessings that may have easily been overlooked. Yep, I’m blessed.

At my wedding - my dads (in blue) and my uncles, Jeff (lower left) and Mark (lower right)