A precious present

Our last family visit with my sister-in-law Cathy and brother Mike, Arlington National Cemetery, July 2015

It turned out to be a more important trip than any of us realized.

I wanted to show my son our nation's Capitol but I didn't want to short-change our annual summer visit to my Mom's in West Virginia. I called my brother to see if Mom could stay with him in Arlington -- IF we could convince her to accompany us to D.C. At 85, she had sworn off any more travel. But for some reason, she agreed to go.

Josh and Erin, National Zoo, July 2015

Tom, Sam and I spent four days in Washington, seeing the monuments on the National Mall, visiting the Smithsonian museums and Bureau of Engraving and Printing, getting time with extended family during meals and visits to the National Zoo and Arlington National Cemetery. Mom got to spend a lot of time visiting with my brother and his wife. I was glad we made the trip.

But now, even more so. My sister-in-law Cathy died last Monday from an illness not fully diagnosed. She was 62. Her passing came as a shock. Although she had been struggling with health the past few years, symptoms would be treated and activities resumed. On Saturday, we believed her latest struggle, with pneumonia, had turned for the better. On Sunday, it turned for the worst.

I'm grateful we made this trip. My family is too. We had four extra days with Cathy - a precious present.