Business travel and just plain ol’ livin’ has kept me away from the blogosphere for a while. I just got back from our user conference that we held in one of my favorite cities, San Antonio. It’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive from here and has been a family favorite for long weekends and anniversaries for many years. I have great memories of times on the Mission Trail, El Mercado, HemisFair Park, The Alamo, strolling along the River Walk, breakfast at Mi Tiara’s and the myriad of shops, restaurants, sights and smells. However, there was something different about this particular trip to San Antonio. It was the first time I’d ever been without my family. It didn’t really strike me until I was on a break and making a call to my wife on my cell phone. I walked over to an open area that overlooked a spot on the River Walk where we would often sit and listen to a particular group of Andean musicians. They happened to be setting up to play and soon the familiar music was taking me back to the wonderful times we shared there. A sudden and powerful “I miss my family…” feeling poured through me and I began to experience several emotions. I smiled remembering the many wonderful times we had there. As my kids are beginning their own lives, I was sad realizing that we would likely never be there as a family of four again. Then, I was excited thinking about the times we may share here with our kids and their families in the years ahead. San Antonio is a wonderful city. But, I realized it wasn’t the sights, sounds and smells that made up my memories. It was sharing them with the people I love more than anything else on this earth; my wife, my son and my daughter.
I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful family and for the love and memories we share.
Grits n' Grace 
I’m with you on the missing the family. I can’t tell you about San Antonio as both times I was there, it rained the whole stinkin’ time. Did you get a chance to see the basement at the Alamo??
Hey,
Welcome back to the blog-o-sphere … I have those feelings just when i’m gone to work for an afternoon!
c-ya!
Fred
Aaron – Oh, the infamous “Pee Wee’s bike in the basement” question. I’m amazed how many folks actually ask the docents that question.
Fred – thanks! Yeah, I always miss them when I’m gone,too, but I was just amazed how empty that big crowded place felt without them there. Have you ever been excited and anxious to get home only to find no one there when you walk in? That’s sort of how it felt.
Hi, I got here by way of Blessed1…and just totally related to this post. We’re in ministry and we talk a lot about what if God called us here or there. And I always end up feeling that if He took us to the most beautiful island or remotest corner of the world – it would be great because I would be with my family. That alone makes everything worthwhile! I am holding out hope for the beautiful island calling…
Hello David, I enjoyed and relate to this post so much. The memories made with the people we love, our family and friends are always the best.
Whether it is ministry, sightseeing, or just plain hanging out, there’s something in the sharing of an experience together that is special.
I’ve found the same holds true for pictures of those memories…
a photo taken at a beautiful place is ever so much more beautiful with someone I love in it!
Every blessing to you and your family!
Susan
Awww! I know how you feel. My dad often tells me about his favorite times in life, the ones we spent as a family as certain areas in the country. Places that were charmed and that although we can never return to, we will always have.
Glad you’re back home!
There is nothing like good family memories to bring a tear to your eye. I had the chance to take my wife to SA when we were in Dallas.