"Surprise" Visit!!!

My long-time friend Cindy who lives in Reno NV is in Austin visiting her kids, grandkids and me this week! She and I drove out to see Mom and Dad Tuesday. I had talked to Mom on Monday and told her we were coming, but she forgot!! Cindy and I arrived about 10:30, as I had told Mom we would, and, when we knocked and went in, she had the most surprised look on her face! She laughed and said that she had forgotten all about us coming and that she had only been up 30 minutes or so! She was just about to head out the door to walk down to get the newspaper and then work in the yard and Dad was still in bed asleep!!! We laughed and told her no worries, I had brought the paper up, so we would just go help her work in the yard and let Dad wake when he was ready. Mom mainly wanted to clean and change the water in the bird bath and water some shrubs and trees. As you can imagine, Cindy and I mostly watched because Mom likes to do things herself! That's fine...I am thrilled that she can! I am so like my Mom in that I would much rather be out working in the yard rather than in the house!! I am blessed that Idid inherit a bit of her green thumb, but Mom can put a stick in the ground and it will grow and probably bloom!!! The drought is really hurting her crepe myrtles and shrubs, just like most of us. What's we do to deserve this?!!! Pray for rain!!!

The newspaper should have been my clue that Mom had forgotten we were coming! Mom always gets up, gets dressed and walks down to get the paper so it's waiting on the table when Dad gets up. It was still down at the road when Cindy and I turned in to go through the gate. It just didn't occur to me why it was still down there!! I guess I wouldn't make a very good detective!!!

Dad was awake and sitting at the table reading the newspaper when we got back in the house from watering the yard and such. He couldn't believe it when the three of us walked in the door! He pointed at us and then at Mom with a quizzical look on his face and then he got a big laugh when Mom told him she forgot we were coming! He was so happy to see Cindy! It had been quite some time since they last saw her.

Once again, we assured Mom not to stress or rush. She and Dad ate a kolache and then she took him to get him shaved and dressed. Around noon we all went "up on the hill" to Russo's for lunch. Dad loves their steaks and Mom loves their East Meets West salad! Russo's has a wonderful atmosphere and their view is spectacular. It's owned by a couple who lived across the street from them when they lived in Meadowlakes in Marble Falls. So, it does feel "homey" when we dine there, and, the food is great!

After lunch we all took a drive through Dad and Leslie Stephen's last land development, Stone Mountain, which is just down the road from Mom and Dad's place. Dad is so proud to show it off. Talk about spectacular views...from many of the lots you can see all the way to Lake Marble Falls and further! There are quite a few homes built in the subdivision, and they are lovely! Dad always enjoys that trip! Just FYI, there are still lots available!!!

Cindy and I left around 3:30 to get back to town for my grandson Austin's T-ball practice! We were picking him up from "school" and taking him, and you never know what to expect with traffic, so we left about 3:30. I always leave with my heart warmed from all the love my parents show us! "The love of a family is life's greatest blessing." I believe that wholeheartedly. Dad always hugs me tightly and then looks directly at me smiling to say "I love you," then Mom and I wave and say "I love you" as I drive away. That's always one of the highlights of my existence. My heart is warmed, I let out a big sigh, smile and drive away thanking God for them.

Thank you Lord for my wonderful parents. They are faithful examples of Your love and teachings through their devotion to each other, their family and their friends. Keep them safe in Your loving care and be merciful to them. Amen.