SOLC 19

Upon entering your immediately hit by the lights, the sounds, the smells, and the different people. The beeps from the machines are all different. So are the lights. Some machines the lights are blinking. Some machines the lights are just glowing. On other machines the lights are flashing madly along with loud sounds. Those are the sounds that delight those that have come to win. If those machines are making the loud sounds and flashing wildly you can bet people are screaming with delight because they have won the jackpot. The meaning of jackpot is different for everyone. Jackpot could be $25.00, or jackpot could be so much more.
My husband and I have come to this place for some rest. This place of sounds and light to get away. Yes, really, we went to atlantic City for some time to de-stress. It is odd that we would choose to go to someplace so busy to try and relax. However, we were not there to gamble. We went because it was not far from our home. It is only a three hour drive. The weekend was supposed to be gorgeous so we decided to take advantage of the weather and walk the boardwalk and just get away from it all. It just so happens that we LOVE the beach and our favorite restaurant is at the hotel that gave us a great rate. So we set in motion the plans. We quickly found someone to watch the kids (or should I say, keep an eye on them). They really don't need a sitter. They are old enough, but my son still needs someone to help with some things, like his medication etc. I don't want this falling on his sister. So, it was all set. My brother and sister volunteered to help out. I called the hotel on Friday night, made the reservations for Sunday and we were all set. One night away for us to rejuvenate.
It was perfect! Dinner at our favorite place. Lots of window shopping and beautiful weather for walking the boardwalk. When we left to come home my husband commented that he wished we had one more night. I agreed that one more night would be great. However, this was perfect too. It was just enough to get away, enjoy some relaxation and not be too long away from home. We have not been away by ourselves since our son's accident. (It is almost 2 yrs since the accident).
My daughter kindly reminds me often. "Mom, you need to leave the house, you and Dad never go out!" She is right. We don't ever go anywhere. So, I did it, I made the plans. Sure, they were for one night. I'm not sure I would be able to leave just yet for longer. Longer time away would require much more juggling of things for my son. This was perfect. Being last minute was also perfect. I did not have time to rethink it and back out. I know if I made plans in advance I would have panicked and canceled. So I'm glad it went the way it did. This was perfect. The kids were fine. I was fine.
The lights, the sounds, the smells, they were just what we needed. The change of scenery, well, you could say my 17 yr old was correct. We did need to leave the house. I'm not sure if it was even the lights, the sounds or the smells. It was just the company I keep. That time with my husband and the uninterrupted time alone, precious time one does not always get in our busy everyday lives. Time I do cherish. Time I won't wait so long to take together next time. For as we have learned, life is too short! I hit my own jackpot. There are no lights, sounds, etc. I don't need those...I already have all I need!
Hugs,