#to the moon and back

I was driving home from visiting my mom in the hospital and heard Luke Bryan's song, "To the Moon and Back." I was definitely a little sleep deprived but the overall emotion that I felt listening to this song just brought tears to my eyes. If you haven't heard it, you should listen to it (I added a link to the song above). It was the first time I heard it and the words made me think of my parents. True, unconditional love, a partner to share "life" with and best friends for eternity. It may sound easy but is so hard to find this day in age. I am so happy they were able to find each other and celebrating over 40 years of marriage.

With a 2 hour drive home, I had plenty of time to think about the last 16 hours and the different emotions our family encountered. Fear, worry, nervous, scared, hopeful, relief, joy, trust, happiness, peace and most importantly...love. The fear for our loved one prior to the procedure, the prayers said prior to and during the procedure as we watched the clock. The joy and overwhelming gratitude we felt when the surgeon met with us and said those words you've been longing to hear..."She did great, everything went as planned."

I'll never forget the look on my Dads face as I walked into the family waiting room. He had no idea I was coming but there wasn't anywhere else I'd rather be. I am obviously biased, but my Dad is an amazing man. He's an amazing husband, father, grandfather and professional leader. He's honest, genuine and has always treated everyone with respect, despite whether or not it was deserved. He's our rock and someone I could always count on. I could hear it in his voice, despite his attempts at hiding it and I could see it in his eyes that he was so worried about Mom. She's always been healthy, the only times she has even been to the hospital was for the birth of my brother and I. My mom's condition has declined at a rapid rate becoming debilitating over the past year. My Dad researched the procedure, reached out to his Navy connections and ensured my Mom was being operated on by the best of the best along with at a top notch facility. He went with her to all her appointments and would always go in with his "list" of questions for the "doc."

Talking to my Dad in the waiting room and seeing the concern in his eyes, I found it amazing to witness what "true" love looks like. From holding her hand in recovery, to rubbing her feet when transitioned to the floor, he never left her side. He slept in a chair next to her hospital bed the entire time she was there only leaving to attend a meeting or two for work then driving right back to her.

They would be the first to tell you it wasn't always easy but through their storms they grew stronger individually as well as a team. Words cannot describe the love they share and if anyone out there is wondering if this actually exists...believe me, it does and it's worth the wait.

xoxo,