Of course I still feel guilty. Last week, we took James out of school and therapy while we successfully got away for three days and two nights, alone, as a couple. And James didn't kill Grandma and Grandpop! They claimed to actually enjoy it (God bless them) even though there was a Nor'easter and outdoor play was not an option. I know it wasn't easy for them as James has been known to sob on the kitchen floor when he can't go out. Maybe he only pulls that with Mom (or so I hope). Luckily for us, it didn't rain two hours away in Pennsylvania (Adamstown, Antique USA), where we ate fattening food, drank to our heart's content, and wandered around aimlessly (except when it was mealtime). We found a family-owned lodge with a restaurant and a tavern. Met a fair share of sweet, lovely, friendly, and polite (seriously) ex-Mennonites. Saw lots of practicing ones as well, especially at the weekly market/auction. And hit a ton of stores filled with antiques, collectibles, and a lot of junk. One store was only architectural salvage and I think my favorite browse of the the trip. How I wish we had a use for a 28-foot gothic bar! And one of those 12-foot stained glass windows were not going in our Mini. Seriously drool-worthy. It's funny how different I felt being away from James for more than a day. Other thoughts started to creep into my head. Thoughts of hopes and dreams and desires, unrelated to James. I didn't know I had any. AT the moment, I can't think of a one BUT now I know they are there and hope they will resurface. Except this time when our sweetheart is around.
