There aren't adequate words to describe the last three days of our trip. We drove from Sedona to Williams on Weds, stopping at this ridiculous place called Bearizona on the way. Anyone who knows me knows my incredible, irrational, insane fear of bears. So WHY would I agree to go to a "zoo" where you can drive through animal habitats and they are just walking around carefree by your car? Well, because I love my kids I guess. And I figured if we all die together at least we'll always be together. Kidding...kind of... But seriously, this place was crazy. We had lunch and walked through the caged animal part first, and of course went to the nasty old petting zoo portion. I get scared and my knees start knocking when a turkey comes within 10 feet of me, which always amuses Matt and the girls. Then we braved the driving portion. It was all fun and games at first...the deer and elk were fine and not scary. Followed by the rams and goats. Then the signs start appearing to roll up the windows and lock the doors as we entered the wolf area. The wolves were actually beautiful, and stayed far enough away. I could handle that part. But then we cruised into bear territory. It seemed like they were everywhere, surrounding the cars, walking into the pathways. A couple of bears started fighting on the side, maybe 50 feet from us. Then a bear started walking around the car a few cars ahead of us and my breath quickened. Right then Matt sneezed one of his giant sneezes, which made me jump through the roof almost. Well, I'm still trying to live that down.
We took the train to the Grand Canyon Thursday and spent the day touring around. The girls were scared to walk down the rim at first, but quickly warmed up to it. Matt was in heaven, and I was just happy to be feeling great and enjoying my family. We watched the sun set over the canyon and it was such a peaceful amazing feeling. Knowing that I got to share this once in a lifetime experience with my people made me feel so content.
Friday was helicopter tour day. I was pretty sure I'd be freaking out and possibly get sick even. Miraculously, that didn't happen. Charlie and I got to sit in the front seats, while Matt and Reagan were in the back. Charlie was beyond thrilled and wouldn't stop taking photos. She had a permanent grin on her face and kept giggling and saying how fun it was. Reagan tried so hard to be brave and held it together for half of the ride. She finally was overcome with motion sickness and had to close her eyes for the rest of the flight. Matt and I loved it. From the moment we took off I was fascinated and completely in awe. It was the coolest feeling ever. We flew about 100 feet off the ground over a forest and then BAM, the ground opened up beneath us and we were over the canyon. It was gorgeous and exhilarating, it was a feeling and a view I will never forget.
We took the train back to Williams that night and flew home the next day. We met up with my cousin Greg and his family on our long layover in Phoenix. It was great to see our girls get over their initial shyness and become fast friends over dinner. It was equally great to see Greg and Renee. While talking to Renee I said something about how, as a mom, you just do what you have to do. The conversation was in regards to how I face this cancer. I was alluding to the fact that I am fighting so hard because I am a mom. Then it hit me...YES, absolutely I am fighting this so hard for my girls. But you know what, that is not to take away from the fact that I am fighting for Matt, for my friends, for my family and for myself. I mean, of course the girls are a driving force, but if I wasn't a mother I would still be doing everything I can to stay alive and live this life I've been given. I love my life.. ALL of it. I love my parents, brothers, nieces and nephews, my friends. I am fighting so I can be here to see all of their lives too. I want to know my nieces and nephews when they get older. I want to be the old lady with her old lady friends going on a road trip. I don't want to miss anything! I have serious FOMO.
I guess there's no choice but to stick around for a hell of a lot longer!
We took the train to the Grand Canyon Thursday and spent the day touring around. The girls were scared to walk down the rim at first, but quickly warmed up to it. Matt was in heaven, and I was just happy to be feeling great and enjoying my family. We watched the sun set over the canyon and it was such a peaceful amazing feeling. Knowing that I got to share this once in a lifetime experience with my people made me feel so content.
Friday was helicopter tour day. I was pretty sure I'd be freaking out and possibly get sick even. Miraculously, that didn't happen. Charlie and I got to sit in the front seats, while Matt and Reagan were in the back. Charlie was beyond thrilled and wouldn't stop taking photos. She had a permanent grin on her face and kept giggling and saying how fun it was. Reagan tried so hard to be brave and held it together for half of the ride. She finally was overcome with motion sickness and had to close her eyes for the rest of the flight. Matt and I loved it. From the moment we took off I was fascinated and completely in awe. It was the coolest feeling ever. We flew about 100 feet off the ground over a forest and then BAM, the ground opened up beneath us and we were over the canyon. It was gorgeous and exhilarating, it was a feeling and a view I will never forget.
We took the train back to Williams that night and flew home the next day. We met up with my cousin Greg and his family on our long layover in Phoenix. It was great to see our girls get over their initial shyness and become fast friends over dinner. It was equally great to see Greg and Renee. While talking to Renee I said something about how, as a mom, you just do what you have to do. The conversation was in regards to how I face this cancer. I was alluding to the fact that I am fighting so hard because I am a mom. Then it hit me...YES, absolutely I am fighting this so hard for my girls. But you know what, that is not to take away from the fact that I am fighting for Matt, for my friends, for my family and for myself. I mean, of course the girls are a driving force, but if I wasn't a mother I would still be doing everything I can to stay alive and live this life I've been given. I love my life.. ALL of it. I love my parents, brothers, nieces and nephews, my friends. I am fighting so I can be here to see all of their lives too. I want to know my nieces and nephews when they get older. I want to be the old lady with her old lady friends going on a road trip. I don't want to miss anything! I have serious FOMO.
I guess there's no choice but to stick around for a hell of a lot longer!
You better stick around baby girl. Dad and I need you and so do your brothers, but most of all your children and husband. We all need you in our lives to brighten our days, sooth our nights and make us laugh when we are sad. The kids at school need you to show them how to be strong and overcome adversity.
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