One to One Time-Up Close and at a Distance

As much as I love living in France, there are moments from time to time when I wish I were a little bit closer and access to the states was easier!  Those are the moments when friends and family are facing health concerns, special occasions, and even some holidays.  Traveling between here and the states can take me from anywhere between 24 to 36 hours of bus, train, and plane, with a whole lot of waiting around in airports!  I try to look at these trips as just another adventure!

I'm feeling the distance today a little more than usual, because my brother Jim is going to be having some out-patient surgery.  I started to write "minor", but it's never "minor" when we're having it and it's the first time we've ever been "invaded"!  I could hear some concern in his voice when we spoke on the phone yesterday, so I'm hoping it all  goes fine and recovery will be a breeze. I realize that even when I lived in the states, I wouldn't have been dropping what I was doing to be there for family in instances like this because it meant leaving work and traveling from New Orleans.  I probably would have done the same thing: called to say you're in my thoughts, check back in after the surgery, and send a snail mail or e-card.  In fact, I see my family just as much or more than I saw them when I lived in New Orleans and with my phone program, I know we talk more!  I do have my days when I get frustrated and feel like it is all up to me to stay in touch, but I'm the one who chose to live in France and I'm the one with the phone program!  So, I get over it!  

I pointed out in my Father's Day post, that Jim's arrival ended any hope for quality time for me with Mom and Dad. But, thinking about Jim and what he's facing today, made me really happy that the two of us had the opportunity to have some one to one quality time together over breakfast in Kansas City. Let's face it, that one to one communication is very different than communicating with a couple, the family, a group of friends.  I cherish those one to one opportunities with everyone I love, and when I can I try to make them happen! So, here's to more one to one quality time with the people who are important to us in our lives!