Friday, August 21, 2009

FAMILY COMES FIRST

I recently made an emergency "FAMILY COMES FIRST" trip to California to be with my sister after her 6 hour spinal surgery. I am happy to report that by the time I headed home my sister was up and walking (without her walker) and we had disposed of the excel spreadsheet we needed to keep track of her pain killers!




My duty as nurse was to do nothing but look after my sister! But, while she slept my brother-in-law was kind enough to take me out for a little bike ride along the shores of San Onofre State Beach. This is the view from one of the spots along our ride. We are very high up and those cliffs look pretty steep! I am beginning to wonder why my brother-in-law really brought me here!



San Onofre State Beach is a 3000 acre state park located in San Diego County. With over 2.5 million visitors per year it is one of the most visited state parks in California hosting swimming, campers, kayakers, birders, fisherman, sunbathers, of course surfers and now ...ME!



We also rode into Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. This is a major West Coast base of the US Marine Corps and a prime training base. The base was established in 1942 to train US Marines for the service in the second World War. We did not stay too long...something about the sign that read...
"No unauthorized personel beyond this point"!


Did I mention that my thighs were burning before we left the parking lot to start this great adventure? Well, after 12 miles of constant peddling I am focusing on this military T-shirt...PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY! I am feeling stronger then ever!



We also found time to take in a bit of music on Del Mar in dowtown San Clemente.

(The patient is sleeping again!)



Donate to charity...Thanks for the taco Jon!



And do a bit of shopping! (Okay, I am feeling a bit guilty) We had better check in! Thanks Jon for making my trip enjoyable, for reminding me about the freedom of cycling and for showing me more of beautiful California!



The real reason for my trip was my sister, all the other stuff is great but it is family that means the most! FAMILY COMES FIRST no matter what is going on in your life at the moment, no matter how urgent and important, there is nothing that should come before family!










2 comments:

  1. Good to know your sister has recouped nicely...and that your brother-in-law's intentions were all good :). LOVED your post! And you're so right...it's all about Family. Sending the very best to you and yours.
    Leslie

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  2. wow, Carrie. Looks like you have had quite a summer. I'm glad you were able to be with your sister. I hope she is doing much better now.

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