Time Most Precious

My parents got into town last Tuesday and will leave this coming Tuesday. What a gift to have them stay with me. We certainly got to spend some great time together, but not nearly enough. Makes me more convicted to redirect my energies from work to family.

There were 30 people in my house yesterday, that is 30 family members including me, gathered together around my parents visit from FL. I don't think we've all been together like that in more than four years -- since Ron. Good to all be together visiting on a happy note and with so many new "Schneiders" in tow. Little Audrey, my niece Amy's oldest at age 3, fell in love with my teardrop camper. I think the two of us have a camp night in the near future, even if the camper never leaves the garage.

I spent most of today with my dad while my mom and oldest brother were up at Muirfield to enjoy the last day of the President's Cup. After a leisurely morning, my dad and I headed down to Brothers Drake in the Short North where my niece works. I took the long way there so that we would pass some of his old haunts and check out all of the changes that have occurred over the last several years. This included a stop by good old King Gambrinus. We ended the day at Plank's at Whittier and High streets where my mom and brother later met us. Brought back lots of memories for my dad, for me, for each of us.

I recount all of this because I am so grateful to have the time with my folks. To have time, period. Each day is a gift and I am thankful to God that he has given me these days.