Take the Wins and the Losses

Isn’t it funny that we all see things differently? We all have our own stories about any situation. As I planned to write about the week in Vegas with Corry, Justin, and Emily, I was filled with joy as I reflected on the trip. There were bumps in the road. Emily was A LOT on the car ride there, and she tested my patience. I was sick and got worse as the trip progressed. We didn’t get to do everything we planned, but I had a great time. I thought it was a successful trip. I was also so proud watching Justin and Emily together. They have a special relationship that is joyful to witness. I was proud of how Emily showed up.

Well, Justin did not see it that way. Justin was quite short with me this morning, and when I pressured him for some clarification, he let me have it. He expressed that he had a terrible trip in Las Vegas and hated it. He is “still recovering from the trip and how awful it was!” WOW!!! His words were a punch in my gut, and my heart broke a little. I have been shedding a lot of tears.

My friend and I tried to get him to go out and do something without us. We left two nights open for him to go and see and do what he wanted. He did not take the opportunity. I was careful not to rely on him to help with his sister. I did most of the wheelchair pushing and all the care. Justin offered to stay in with Emily after she went to bed one night while Corry and I went out. I paid him well for his time and paid for everything on the trip. I can imagine at 24 that your idea of a great vacation is not spending time with your mom and her friend (and your sister) but he signed up for the adventure with enthusiasm.

I respect his feelings and his opinions, and it still hurts. My heart is sad today, and that is also okay and understandable. I couldn’t wait to write about our trip and share the highs and lows. Now, I feel deflated and have no desire to write at all. I will get over it.

My perspective is different. I loved experiencing hotels never seen before. I loved all the fresh flowers and beautiful glasswork that adorned the lobbies of various hotels and casinos. The Pinball Hall of Fame took me back to my childhood. Emily and I had a blast whacking alligators and playing Skeeball. We played for an hour with a handful of quarters. It was a great bang for a very little buck. We enjoyed a cocktail and waited to watch the water show at The Wynn Hotel. The conversation was lovely. The drink was good. The show was not, but it gave us lots to laugh about. I was grateful that Justin volunteered to stay in one night so Corry and I could go to dinner and see KA at MGM. My friend and mentor, Bobby Kountz, was able to meet my kids, and we enjoyed some over-the-top doughnuts and lovely conversation. Also, Emily was so exhausted she was quiet all the way home. The weather was also bearable, which is unusual for this time of year. With the temps below 100, we enjoyed walking outside. Everyone won a little money on the slots, but me. Emily, Corry, and Justin all hit free games and doubled or tripled their investment in the Buffalo Slots.

I lost a few bucks in Vegas, but it was a win for me and Emily. Although Justin won the money, he felt like a loser overall. My hurt feelings will be forgotten, and the memories from the trip with Corry and my kids will remain.