chicago

My kind of town...

Recently, as a family "vacation" (I guess you can call it), or a trip as a birthday trip for my parents, which was also a visit to see some family, we travelled to the near by city of Chicago. Without getting too involved into details of the reason and trip, I can really only tell you what I learned. "Seize the day/Carpe Diem" or "Live everyday day as if it were your last," or the one thats the hardest to confront, "live life with no regrets." For about two years, I have tried to live by these life sayings as if I really knew what they meant, or that I had the epiphany of a lifetime. In all honesty, I've been through a lot and have lost so many people in my life in so many ways, and fear change like its my job, but it was not up until this very three day- two night stay in Chicago, IL, that I really understood any of it. Or at least, even more than I did, because I know for sure that theres will be plenty more life learning moments to come.

My parents, sister and close aunt flew to Chicago on a Thursday morning. Now that was an entertaining adventure. We "missed" our flight all because we had one suit case to check in and it HAD to be done 45 minutes before departure. (Delta, you suck, what would be the difference?!) Luckily, we were able to catch the next flight and still arrive on time. We were reunited with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins and second cousins. Its been too many years to count, but it felt like we have seen each other every day. We spent most of our time at the home, spending quality time with each other, catching up and of course, cooking and eating. We also had a few hours to spare exploring the "Windy City." I loved every part of that city. I could move there right now, in a heart beat, if I could. Below, you will find some of the photos that I had taken from the whole trip and I hope you get to enjoy them as much as I do.

Leaving Chicago was terrible. It felt as if we had just got there and had to leave. I enjoyed silence but not the awkward kind, the friendly atmosphere in the house or Chi- town streets, and story telling of old memories. Saying goodbye was not simple. Life's too short. Seeing my family, that I never grew up with or get to visit often, and even being with my immediate family for the weekend was refreshing, and strengthening. Real people. People that truly love one another, and people who feel. If you knew me, you would know that on one side of my family, communicating and love is not easy to find, especially when they are so close. Even more of a reason why I have never felt so much. There is nothing better than to know you're loved, wanted, and imperfect is perfect. To be in a room filled with so many emotions that last hour in Illinois, made me feel good even though there were one too many tears, both happy and sad. It has been some time since I had felt this way and certainly not the first time I had to let go in order to move forward.

Sometimes the ugly truth of saying "good bye" or "see you later" is that what if its the last time. I know this sounds a bit morbid, but it is the truth, and these people that are real, that love and that feel, grew stronger, smarter and love even more. We learned that life is too short. No matter what is going on, never take a single breath for granted and that is the honest truth. Who cares about the things you did or didn't do. Who cares if you made mistakes or couldn't visit like you said you would. Who really cares? Because in the end, what really matters is everything that has happened, what you now have, and what you could only hope for in the future. The present is a gift and I really hope that everyone can one day just take a step back from life, just like I did. Maybe you won't fly to another city and visit relatives, but maybe you'll spend the night at home for once instead of out partying, or even just walking to your car. Cherish every moment-- what you've got and how you got there. Let go of grudges, let go of anger, let go of those broken pieces that just keep on cutting you. Life is too short to stand in the rain and be mad that it is raining.

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I wrote this from the heart, probably one of the most deep things I have written in a while and for the public. I am not a hippie, nor am I completely 100% free of all burdens, but I am getting there and each day is even better than the last even if it is a bad one. Its a new day, and thats all that matters.

Stay Strong Aunt Josie

...Chicago is