I’ve been thinking a lot about how fortunate I am to be taking another trip with my mother, who is still alive, still well, and still able to do things like this at the young age of Almost 86. All around me are friends, family, and acquaintances that I come into contact with who have either lost their mothers or have mothers that are too ill or frail to consider traveling or doing anything that could be physically challenging. Throw in the fact that my mother enjoys traveling and we enjoy each other’s company, and it indeed is somewhat of a miracle. I don’t try to figure out why I’m so lucky … my friends that have lost their mothers have wisely advised me to enjoy every single minute that I spend with my mother. That, I intend to do … whether it’s on a trip, chatting together several times a week, having lunch, or helping her set up her Nook … an early birthday gift from her four children. Mother, I appreciate all of this. You are indeed a blessing.