Slow But Sure

I spoke with Kelly yesterday. Progress is slow but sure on their expansion. The weather is bad there - cold and wet. Toby was with his grandma. Sarah was reading and reading and reading. Miriam was being silly. Martin was at the pub with friends. Kelly was blabbing with her little sis about a variety of things.

Morgan spilled the beans about her trip to Rome with mom. I wasn't sure how Kelly and Martin would take it. I imagine if I were in her shoes I'd feel hurt. Kelly says of course that she is not. Truly it does not make practical sense to take a 7 day trip over seas and split it between two countries (Germany and Italy). But what makes practical sense is not always a comfort to gut instinct emotions...

I can only imagine how hard it is for Kelly to live abroad. She is forever the outsider no matter that she speaks German fluently, or has embraced many aspects of German culture. She can never just "drop in" on me or mom or friends. A visit always demands an airline ticket and a passport. (and lots of $$$$ too) We are all busy living our lives over here in the US and often I'm sure she feels she's forgotten. She is not. I'm not the best at remembering or being thoughtful the way she is. I'm sure this leaves her feeling less than appreciated by her own little sister.

To add insult to injury so to speak mom will be taking Morgan to Rome in December. Although this is great and is in no way an attempt to "snub" Kelly and her family it may still sting a bit. To be SO CLOSE (geographically) and yet to miss each other just seems unfair. Still, my sensible sister reiterates all the reasons this scenario is best. It is a short trip. Only 5 days of actual visit time. (the other 2 are travel days) Rome and Vatican City are filled with things to see and do enough to fill a month's worth of time. A side trip to Germany would be too much for a five day time frame. Kelly and Martin will both be working and the kids will be in school at the time.

Anyhow...I sure wish I could be going too. I envy Morgan and mom. I sure hope I can see the Vatican some day. Also, I hope that our plan to go to Germany next fall is not spoiled by some unforeseen event. It is about time that the Tim and Kris Crew make a trip over there... How bad could it be to travel overseas with five children ages 10 and under???? Piece of cake!!!
I love you Kelly, Martin, Sarah, Toby, and Miriam.