It did not stay in Las Vegas

Whew! Back from a long weekend away. In Las Vegas, nonetheless. I know, I didn’t even tell you I was leaving. But this trip sneaked up on me like a cop on a couple of kids out parking. I hadn’t really planned, much less thought ahead enough to explain myself.

Las Vegas, though, was extremely good to me. And I didn’t take part in a single, stereotypically-indulgent thing for which the City of Lights is so famous…err, infamous. Well, unless you count food, because there was food. Instead, I submerged myself in reunions with friends, time with my sister, and more laughter than anyone would care to know. The joy surrounding much of the days was nearly tangible– as if I could reach out and pick it out of the air. There was running and resting and, like I said, eating and most of all, just soaking up every moment that reminded me how very, very fortunate I am to have this life. You are not the only one who might think that is an odd feeling to get from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Over the last four days, I was so fortunate to spend time with a few people that have undoubtedly impacted my life. Two people that, prior to this weekend, I never knew. I find myself struggling right now at the inconvenience of anonymity on the Internet because part of me so badly wants to share who these incredible people are, and go on and on about what they are to this world. I think, in time, I will find a way to do this. But right now, only two hours removed from the airport, I cannot adequately do the stories justice.

Part of what I learned over the weekend, though, is the miracle that is opportunity. As a middle-class American, there are times when I know the fundamental idea of opportunity is lost on me. I forget, or possibly ignore, the fortune contained in the ability I have to walk out my front door every day knowing that I have a choice.

And on the other side of opportunity, I was reminded that we must seize it. We must take those “off” chances in life that seem scary or difficult if for no other reason than we have them. Over the last four days, I’ve been surrounded by friends, and success and family and… well, love. I suppose the reason I say it that way is that it was displayed to me time and time again what is possible– in something so small as our own lives and something so grand as the world– what can be accomplished if it’s done with love. Sometimes, all someone or something needs to succeed is for someone to care. And for those who see that, for those who know that, things are happening. Good things.

It’s good to be reminded that it matters to care.

So though I’m tired and sore and didn’t get near enough time with some of the people I was so excited to see (thank you, rain in Phoenix) I can come away with nothing but gratitude. And a whole lot more stories to come.