Get Away

I made a trip to Lake Powell recently... all by myself. That hasn't happened in... well... ever, now that I think about it. I always go with my kids and Benn, but before kids, it was with Benn and before Benn it was always with family. This was the first time I drove to Powell with just me and my thoughts.

It was wonderful!

I met my parents at the dock and Kris and Lindsay were at the houseboat already. Jody, Kerry and Ben were still on their way when I arrived late Sept. 30th. It was cold, but I really didn't care. I had left my life in Vegas and I didn't want to think about it at all. I wanted to enjoy being with my siblings, their spouses and my parents all weekend.

The Rosander's were supposed to be going on an all adult trip next month, but with my Dad's recent start with chemotherapy, my Mom rescheduled the trip. My oldest brother thought it would be fun to meet in Lake Powell if my Dad was feeling up to it.

My Dad is doing well on chemo. His biggest complaint is sore's in his mouth along with a metallic taste. He also gets tired after treatment, but that wears off. He feels very blessed that he is not nauseous or losing his hair. It could be so much worse. He is getting a revalutaion the begining of November. Hopefully things will look good.

Lake Powell was colder than our usual summer trips, but it did warm up during the day. Boat rides were chilly and we would snuggle up under blankets and stay warm. I'm sure by the pictures it doesn't look one bit fun, but it was a blast!

We drove up to Dangling Rope Thursday morning. This is a place where we usually get soft serve ice cream, but not on this day. We opted for hot chocolate instead.

On the hour trip back to the houseboat we listened to music. Fun, sing-a-long type of songs at first. Then I suggested we listen to Simon and Garfunkel since my parents like them. Trying to avoid the ballads, we happen to skip over "Bridge Over Troubled Water" when my mom said to go back to that song cause she liked that one. Knowing how sentimental that song is to my Dad, I didn't think it was a good idea, but we listened as Simon and Garfunkel sang:

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
When you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

When my Dad used this song as part of this talk when my oldest brother left on his mission, I fell in love with this song as well. I'm not one to usually incorperate pop-rock into sacrament meeting, but it was done in a tasteful way. I love the lyrics.

Jump back to the boat ride... When I looked over and my parents were both wiping tears away as they listened to this song, I abruptly called for a "Next" in the playlist. I can't even imagine the silent emotions my parents are experiencing with their new reality. They put on a brave face for us, but we all have our moments, and I'm sure they have had their's. Again, all of us are staying positive and hopeful for a complete recovery.

Once we got back to the houseboat that day, I sat out on the back of the little boat all afternoon. I chatted it up with my sis-in-law, Lindsay, for a long time. It was nice to talk and not be interrupted by children. I didn't have to feed anyone but myseff, prepare sleeping areas for anyone, or clean up after anyone for three days!

Before leaving, I thought that I would take naps and read the three books I took with me, but I didn't. I talked all weekend long, read a bit, and relished being with my family. I did waterski. It was a bit chilly for my taste, but the water was smooth. I wimped out and pulled and tugged as hard as I could to get my fifteen year old wetsuit on. I couldn't breathe very well in it and tossed it after my first run. Ohhhhh, I love to waterski!!!! Wish I could do it more often.

I was sad to leave. Until next summer...



Pretty good for a mom who skis once a year :)


I love this picture of our newly-weds




Jody and I were a couple since our significant other's couldn't be there with us.