Zero to Three in 40 Weeks: The Revolving Door Begins To Spin

The revolving door of our home is one for friends and family. Two weekends ago, one of my closest friends, Pat, came to visit. He had never met the girls before. I've known Pat for almost 15 years. I'm so thankful that an introduction was finally made, though I'm completely disappointed that I didn't take a single picture of him with the girls. Next trip.

This most recent weekend, Uncle Buddy and Aunt Carolee drove up from Springfield to get their triplet fix. You can't really blame them though, can you? I'd drive three hours to see these little ladies.

One of the benefits of having moved to Chicago was to be closer to some of the family from whom we used to be far away. When you're within a reasonable drive, why shouldn't you make time to see each other?

It's unfortunate that it takes something so drastic to make you remember what's important sometimes, but Sharon's (Meg's mom) passing reminded me how fleeting life can be and how much we really need to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.

I, for one, have not always been the best at making time for family. In my youth (yes, I classify myself as getting older now), time was abundant and the thought of not having time with the people for whom I cared so deeply, never crossed my mind. I was selfish with my time. Time goes on forever. There will always be another tomorrow, right? At least that's what I used to tell myself.

Everyone is getting older, including us. I had never been to a funeral in my life and within the last 18 months, I've been to three. I'm not trying to set any records here, but I am realizing every day that this is a trend I do not like, yet can't avoid, as much as I'd like to. There's no putting your head in the sand and pretending like your loved ones will always be on the other end of the phone when you want to catch up.

I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before. Nor am I unique in coming to this realization after the death of a loved one. For me and, probably, for all who have figured this out before me, it is profound. But it shouldn't be. We should all be so lucky to have family in our lives and even more lucky to remember how incredible a gift it is before it's gone.

Well, this post took a completely different track than what I set out to write about, but it's worth sharing if it makes someone call a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, a child, or a friend just to say "hello" and catch up for five minutes.

This weekend, my mom comes to town. For now though, enjoy some pics of the girls with Uncle Buddy, Aunt Carolee, and some cool Chicago weather!

Buddy and Carolee, thank you for making time to come see us. You're welcome back any time!

Uncle Buddy, getting in a late afternoon workout