Best news I've had all day

I'm having a bit of a rough day here.  It's due mostly to the fact that at 3AM I was still wide awake.  There seemed to be absolutely nothing I could do to sleep last night.  I tried all my normal "sleep" techniques, but to no avail.  I was all set to allow myself to sleep in this morning because we have nothing scheduled, but when I woke up this morning I couldn't go back to sleep.  Ugh!!!!!

I also suspect it has to do with the date.  Seventeen years ago today (also on a Tuesday) my father went to the doctor and was diagnosed with pneumonia...although that was just the beginning of the journey he's been on for the last seventeen years.  The last year has been a year of tremendous decline for him...more so perhaps than any other.  He has had two lengthy hospitalizations and they've taken quite a toll on him.  On the upside, he still talks a great deal about the future and he always talks about next year.  I, on the other hand, find myself not as optimistic about the future with him, and prefer to focus on him in the now.  It doesn't help that I have a friend here in town who's father was diagnosed with the same disease this past winter, and he passed away Saturday.

I'm also finding myself completely overwhelmed by the impending move, and the fact that we are leaving for vacation in four days!  I know it certainly isn't the best of timing, but we weren't planning on moving!  When I think about the amount of work that needs to be accomplished, along with having two house payments, AND I won't be working, I actually sometimes find it takes my breath away and I can't breathe.  I know it's all going to work out, but yikes!

And of course there is the fact that Andrew and Thomas are at scout camp.  I've really, really missed them, although I got to speak to them Sunday evening and again this morning.  They are having a blast and I think Thomas has grown up a great deal in these couple of days.  And they are part of the best news I've had all day...they've decided that instead of coming home tomorrow morning, they are coming home tonight!  Apparently camp officially ends at 10:00 this evening and there is literally nothing, not even breakfast, tomorrow morning.  Because most groups travel a distance many will leave in the morning, but since our group is less than 30 minutes away from home, the adults all decided that sleeping in their own beds sounded like a better idea and they will pack today and come home tonight.  It will be so great to give them hugs!!!!