When planning this trip we were originally going to stay at my Mamaw’s house in Marana, but due to the added risks of her age and our traveling we decided it would be safer to stay in a campground nearby. Which is why we ended up staying in Tucson. I grew up going to her house often and have the best memories of her and my Papa eating lunch after church. She always made the best rolls and I felt so loved by her. She taught me how to make my bed with hospital corners and why it is important for a lady to sit and stand up straight, all things a growing girl should know. Albeit I did not appreciate all of those things then, I certainly do now. When we stayed with her while our parents were on vacation she would rock the sandwich lunch game. My mother did not have a chance at making our lunches successfully after a week with Mamaw. She would stack our sandwiches high with meat, lettuce, cheese and tomato on amazing homemade bread. I can picture them now and so can my stomach!

So you see, my Mamaw is important to me. She is special and loved and sadly I don’t get to see her as much as I used to. So this trip to see her was at the top of my list when planning.

We spent the day on her back porch remembering times before and talking about what all is ahead. She is always full of wisdom and I soak in every word she has to say. We ate an early Thanksgiving meal together and did what we could to show affection in a world riddled with the Coronavirus. I wanted to ensure her safety and we were very careful in how we interacted – even though I wanted to hug and squeeze her so tight! I did so in my mind.

We spent the rest of our day at the campstie in the pool, by the fire or riding our bikes. It was a beautiful day, one not easily forgotten.