As Spring Break is peaking around the corner I started to think about what my plans would be. Typically- I work.  Although my son and I are super close, he is still a teenager and the last thing he wants to do is hang out with his mom for a week.  It just isn’t the ‘cool’ thing to do.

This year is a bit different, because we have family coming from Ohio to stay for the week.  We’re helping my oldest cousin propose to his long-time girlfriend (It’s about time, and I am ecstatic to get to be a part of it!).  We will be spending the week on the beach; soaking up the rays, creating memories, and having quality time that I am sure I will cherish and treasure for eternity.

While thinking about spending a week away from work (first time in a long time!!) and with family that I don’t get to see often, it reminds me of one of my most memorable Spring Break vacations.

I had just turned 16 and while all my friends were headed across the state to Daytona Beach for the week, I was in a car driving to Ohio to spend time with my family. Even though it was only 40 degrees that week, I truly thought I would die from hypothermia. I was so angry that I was going to come back to school paler than when I had left for vacation.

What I now realize is that week I spent bonding with just my mom was so full of memories that is still causes me to tear up even today.

Here are the things that stick out the most. I hope my son will have similar memories one day when he looks back at the week we have coming up:

• I truly thought my mom was trying to kill me when she made me drive on the West Virginia turnpike. Little did I know, she was teaching me skills I would need later in life. I also didn’t know that I was secretly her hero as she was terrified to drive that road herself
• An aunt bought me a pair of Z. Cavaricci (I know I just dated myself, and for all those who don’t know what these are google them, and enjoy a good laugh) At least I was styling when I got back! Maybe my son will one day have memories of an embarrassing name brand clothing item as well.
• It created some of the best photos that I’ve ever had- the big hair, blue eyeshadow (my aunt not me!) all makes for hysterical laughs as I look back
• The daily trips to the best donut place in the entire world “Amy Joy”- which unfortunately is now closed- allowed for quick, important talks about where I grew up, family relations, etc.  I will value forever- one specific trip when my mom pointed out the location where she met my dad!
• My mom and I sang, usually very off key and typically screwing up the words, but we realized we had more musical likes in common than we thought. We both gave the other’s music a fair shot and came out with even more in common than we could have hoped for.
• Playing “Pediddle” and having to teach my mom what a “pediddle” was. (again- google it)
• Realizing- that even though I didn’t get to spend the week with my friends- I truly became best friends with my mom that week. I learned how strong she was as a woman, how important she was as a daughter, sister, and how amazing she was as a parent.

Ok- maybe that last one came quite some time after. I just hope my son has such realizations in the future as well. I hope he realizes how valuable spending time as a family can be.

What does all this have to do with the Heart of Adoptions?

Well family is at the heart of everything we do here, and there is no better way to honor that then to stress the importance of family memories.

So, I hope each of you finds value in whatever activity you choose to do this Spring Break! Enjoy life to the fullest and remember that those silly times that may not seem important are probably the times your kids will remember the most!