Grandma's Visit

We finally got my mom to come out and visit us and boy did we have a blast. We haven't seen mom since the reunion a year ago now. The flight in was a little rocky but she landed finally and the boys were glued to her. She was so nervous the boys wouldn't take to her since they haven't seen her in so long but that was far from what happened.

I was so excited to have a whole week off my graveyard schedule...my poor body was just adjusting to it too.  Grandma was greeted in the mornings by little Jonathon's sweet kisses, Ben's big hugs and Matt's sweet smile. 

We took her on a trip to Laughlin for the night and enjoyed a walk down the river.  We even celebrated Mother's Day a little early and had a turkey feast.  I miss my mom so very much and wish she lived closer.  My mom has the biggest heart and the sweetest soul, I look up to her so much!!  She would do anything for anyone at anytime.  Sometimes I question her big heart but I know she is just trying to do all she can to help anyone in need. 

On top of a great visit, I sat down and was able to talk to mom about her family.  My mom's dad passed when mom was 3 and her mother passed shortly after I was born.  So I was never given the chance to know either one, makes me feel cheated some days because I know they both must have been really special.  Mom had a pretty rough upbringing and I am lucky to have an uncle and aunt who share pictures from those days with me.  (thank you Aunt Dean and Uncle Doyle)  So mom and I sat and looked through all these pictures of when mom was a kid and growing up through the years...the stories were just priceless...thank you mom for taking the time to share so many stories and memories with me and the boys.  Miss you already

TCO Week

I know not too many people read this, but I think it is very important to share a very special week with you all who actually do.  April 15-21 is TCO Appreciation Week....and I am sad to say that no one takes it seriously.  First of all TCO stands for Telecommunications Operator.  These are the men and women who answer your emergency or even non-emergency phone calls.  It can be a call about a noisy neighbor, sick member of the family, a wreck or as dramatic as a drowning.  These men and women live through everyone's problems, heart breaks, and issues on a daily basis and it is exhausting, but we continue to do the job and hopefully with a smile.  We try to leave the issues we encounter at work when we leave but there are days when there's nothing you can do but cry for someone else's call. 
So for one week out of the entire year, they give us a week to be honored.  I found out that sadly we are the only ones who show each other our appreciation.  I take that back...there are some great deputies out there that was nice enough to bring us food and drinks. 
I am not writing this to complain but to really let everyone out there know how much I appreciate what they do for their community being a 911 Dispatcher.  A job that only few are able to handle and the angels behind every call that comes in no matter what the urgency.  If you are able to remember next year...take a few moments and it can be as simple as a note to your local police, sheriff's office, or medical dispatch.  They really do deserve it!!  I am proud to be a part of this new family...