The kids and Grands should have been departing for Florence, Italy to meet up with us on the Ripanera wine estate in the villa. But instead we were on Southwest heading to the Greenville-Spartanburg airport for a return trip to my brother’s home on Lake Keowee. For several years we had been planning a two week family trip to Tuscany and Normandy to celebrate my 60th birthday and our 15th year of marriage. We were all looking forward to the trip and exploring another part of the world together.
However, by March we knew that COVID-19 was going to impact our plans, forcing us, like so many others, to postpone our plans. With the over two million air miles safely tucked back into the United account and all rental home reservations and tour deposits graciously moved to 2022 we took a deep breath but also felt the sadness of losing time with the Grands and their parents. Because, as COVID has shown us, you don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
During my surprise birthday party at our house we were all lamenting the fact that we didn’t get to be together in Europe when inspiration hit. We had such a marvelous Time Spent at Lake Keowee on the prior family trip that I said, “If I can get the house would you all like to go back to Lake Keowee for a week?” What erupted was a chorus of “Yes!” The adults all agreed that since they had their calendars blocked for the two week trip to Europe that either of those dates would work for their families.
That night I texted my brother and sister-in-law who quickly confirmed that a week was indeed available! I quickly emailed the family letting them know the good news and then sent a calendar invitation to the adults effectively blocking the dates on their calendars. Thanks to my brother and his wife’s generosity we were a “Go!”
Somewhat familiar with the routine we quickly settled into the house and a relaxing week of quality time talking, playing, enjoying the screened in porch, hiking, water skiing, cooking, melting marshmallows for smores, and laughing with one another. While it wasn’t the adventure that we had planned we still made time to slow down and connect with one another.
Mary Beth I have a passion for creating and experiencing unforgettable moments and sharing those with others. I hope that this story has helped you experience one of those moments.
