Once you get there... soak it up.

This weekend I spent a really nice two days with my boyfriend in northern Indiana visiting his mom (and grandma) for a belated Mothers' Day. At first I was sort of hesitant about the timing because I had other things in mind for the holiday weekend, but I know how little time he has to get away, and I know how important it is to ME to get home every once in a while, so I happily packed up and we headed north.

We had been there once before, but only for a few hours one day, so I wasn't able to see much of where he grew up.  This time we were able to see a little more.  He took me to another home he once lived in, where he played and skateboarded with his friends, drove me by his high school and where he bought baseball cards, and on the way out of town we went to his grandparents' grave, something I wasn't sure about at first but that I am so glad I got to do with him.  We were only there for a few minutes, but I will remember it forever. The closeness I felt to him in those moments was immeasurable.  

My boyfriend's mom had to work to support their family, so he would go to his grandparents' house after school nearly every day.  They lived right across the street from the school, so they would help him with his homework, make sure he was staying on track, pretty much an extra set of parents.  He was recently interviewed for a newsletter at his work and it asked, if you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?  Most of us would pick a celebrity, president, etc.  He answered, my grandparents.  To be able to go to their grave with him was pretty cool for me.  They died within a month of each other, he told me on the way home they were basically inseparable, together all of the time in everything they did.  Died of a broken heart?  Quite possible.  They both passed away in 1993, when he was just 11.  I wish I could have known them.  My boyfriend will turn 30 this year.  They were only in his life for 11 years and they made that much of an impact.  They must have been amazing people.

As you know from reading my blog (and knowing me, as many of you do), you know I have a great relationship with my boyfriend, and I'm head over heels for the guy.  But, this weekend was special.  Sitting around with his mom, sister, aunt, and uncle and hearing stories about him as a kid, seeing his hometown, seeing him as his family does, those who know him best.  It was AWESOME.  I know it's a big relationship step, taking the boy/girlfriend back home, etc.  But when you get there, soak it up.   Don't let a moment pass by without appreciating where you are.