The Weekend That Almost Was

I had a lot planned for this weekend. I really did.

I was going to the Red Bull Air Races that were happening over the Detroit River yesterday and today. I've had a fascination with airplanes for as long as I can remember and love the idea of the air races coming to Detroit.

I also wanted to stop by The Henry Ford for the opening of their new exhibit on chocolate. I mean, just imagine it: an entire exhibit dedicated to the art and history of chocolate at one of America's premiere museums.

What's not to love about that?

Plus, it's so close to my house. I could almost walk there.

I remember thinking: if only I could combine those two things and have airplanes fly through the skies of Detroit that are actually made out of chocolate.

But then I heard from my Mom.

One of my uncles has been battling cancer for several months now. He has taken a turn for the worse. A lot of people in my family were told that if we wanted to see him again alive, it would have to be this weekend.

Needless to say, that trumped everything else.

This weekend was spent with family.

My uncle is actually doing reasonably well, all things considered. I'm not convinced that this weekend was his last hurrah. He's determined to battle his way through this. His current motivation to fight on is that he still isn't eligible to collect Social Security for a few more months. He's determined to get back every penny that he paid into the system over the years.

Needless to say, I'm fairly confident that when the Grim Reaper does come for my uncle, the Reaper is going to need a lot more than a messily scythe for the job. A bazooka might be in order. The man just is determined to not go gently into that good night.

Anyway, I'm glad I got to spend time with my family - even if the circumstances were less than ideal.

There's just this overwhelming sense of emotional whiplash and a general sense of not knowing what to say.

Blah!