Staging in Miami - August 24-26

I left yesterday and I’m in Miami. It’s 11:00 on August 25, 2008, and staging starts at 1:30.

My boys along with Theresa and Ava, Kristie and Rich and the Girls, Taylor, and Jerene came to visit the night before I left. Kevin made a great chicken Cesar Salad and it was nice to have one last night with friends and family. Jay is recuperating from his latest back procedure. (picture removed)

Maria and Myra came over earlier in the day with a Baskin and Robbin’s cake and beautiful roses and orchids.

Leaving my family was the hardest thing I’ve ever done – for them and me. I have to say I was stressed. We left the house at 5:30 a.m. to catch a 7:55 flight…and it’s good we did. All the luggage – Were they going to go through everything? Did I take too much? What did I forget? Am I overweight? My son who did Peace Corps Honduras said not to stress about this, but not stressing is something I don’t do well. The flight was very long – ten hours to get to Miami – late planes, lots of waiting. Lots of time for more second guess questions – Why did I ever think this was a good idea? Is this right for me? Should I leave my family? I was totally exhausted when I got the hotel at 8:00 at night, exercised for 30 minutes, called home and went to sleep.