We went to City Creek yesterday to do a bit of shopping for my brother's wedding. I had to find a shirt, some shoes, things like that. Matt had never been there, so he came too (I don't think he really cared that much about it). We told the kids if they were good shopping they could play in the little splash pad there.
Bubb was there too, but he didn't love the splash pad. He's not too sure about water yet. He'll get there.
And the teeny girl just wanted to walk in to the splash pad, and out. In and out, and in and out, and in and out. Then I picked her up and stood by one of the fountains and stuck her hand in it when it splashed and she loooooved it! She's so fun!
So earlier in the week I told my mom we'd be down there that day, and she told me to call her and maybe she'd meet us there with my Aunt Karen (who was coming in to town for my brother's wedding). So when we called, she was making dinner at her house. We went down. Aunt Karen was there. I've never met her (other than when I was probably Ava's age). She's been estranged from the family for close to 30 years. The details surrounding the separation are somewhat unclear to me, and they don't really matter. She's here now and we're glad. I walked in. Said hi. We hugged. For a long time. She cried. So did I. I've tried to imagine living a life with no family. No support. No one to call if you're sad or lonely, no one to spend holidays with, not even a card at Christmas or your birthday. No body to make you feel like you're loved or important. I'm sure she had some friends and people to spend time with, but just the thought of no family... I just can't imagine. I'm glad she and my mom found each other. I'm glad she's a part of our family again. I hope she feels loved and important. I hope she knows she's a part of us and that we love her.
