Gone hiking

Months ago, my husband and I planned a May vacation that included five days hiking in the Southwest. Over the last few weeks, as his mother has grown more feeble, we've debated whether or not to cancel the vacation. But our friends have mostly encouraged us to go anyhow, to get some much-needed relaxation and rest, which will help us prepare for what comes next. I think they're right.

It helps to have all the kids home — and it helps hugely that they are responsible young adults. We've sent up a schedule so that my mother-in-law will get a visit from a grandchild every day that we're gone. My daughter and Boy-in-Black will send us text messages with updates.

And so, we're off. After spending so much time in a nursing home these last few weeks, it's going to feel great to be striding along trails in the bright sunshine of a rocky landscape. If you're the praying type, please keep my mother-in-law in your prayers this next week.