I wake up one March morning to messages on my phone from my sister in Chicago telling me that my dad is in the hospital and not doing too well. It’s probably not the greatest way to start the day when 20 weeks pregnant but I manage to immediately call her and get an update on his condition. I spent the morning just thinking about how these are the times when I feel the most stressed and useless to my family because I am so far away from them. It’s hard enough to hear a loved one is in critical care and even worst when unable to just go and see them.

By mid day his situation was not improving and I was overcome by emotions. Hubs was napping our boys and needed to get ready for work when he sees my meltdown and immediately turns into prince charming. He says “pack your bags, I’ll find you a flight!” Talk about best husband ever!! After about an hour, or maybe two, of brainstorming, calling airlines and packing suitcases we decided that it would be best if we all go to Chicago. We scramble to Phoenix airport with 3 of the messiest packed suitcases and two confused and excited toddlers.

We made it safely to Chicago at about 2 in the morning. With all the rush and commotion that went on in trying to get there we really didn’t tell anyone we were going. For me, it was better this way. Although I am sure we would have received plenty of positive vibes had we spread the word. I particularly preferred privacy to be able to attend to the reason I was there.

My dad spent 2 weeks in the hospital, going back and forth from intensive care to non-intensive care. It was definitely a very stressful 2 weeks for my sister and I; and can only imagine the amount of stress and frustration my dad must have been under, to say the least. My dad was then home for 2 weeks without improvement and was admitted again to the hospital for another week or so. He is now, about 2 months later, doing much better and recovering just like he should be. He has regained a lot of his strength and is still fighting to be back to his normal self, even though much recovery is still needed.

During this stressful time I had a lot of time to think about how quickly life can take a turn for the worst. My dad has been battling with his health for about two years now and it has done wonders to our relationship. We’ve been able to connect like never before! Sadly, it always takes situations like this for one to realize it’s not a time to be petty and hold grudges about the past. It’s a time to show those you love how much you really love and care for them.

My family has experienced tragic loss with my brother in 2009 and boy was that a huge awakening and life shaking experience for us. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to blog about it without meltdowns but let me tell you it has taught me how to value loved ones and has made me the person I am today.

I just don’t have time to waste with loved ones anymore. I don’t have time to be angry about situations or hold any type of grudge. Life really is short and I am human enough to never wish anything bad upon anyone, regardless of how close or distant the relationship may be. I accept that we are all different and what may be important to me may not be important to others. And to be completely honest, my dad and I haven’t always had a great relationship. It has been distant and foreign for too long. Long enough for both of us to realize enough is enough.

So I am grateful that we have been able to rekindle our relationship. We’ve had so many deep and genuine conversations, the way it should be. I am grateful that it’s not too late for us to be able to do this. I encourage you all to do the same. I feel no regrets and am at peace with my relationships with loved ones. I am not afraid to show emotion and express them respectfully because life is short…

Love,

Mama Bear Mimi