After my diagnosis last year, and as we settled into life with cancer treatments, we stopped planning things for a bit. I had a trip with some friends I already had tickets for that I was still able to go on, but other than that, we held off. Once things settled, we decided to plan a getaway for the family for spring break – something small, but very much needed – and so we decided to visit my sister Wendy at her home in Florida. She has a lovely home just east of Destin, Florida, and although it turned out that she wasn’t able to be there when we came, it was the perfect place for us to go.

We left early on Saturday morning, and drove all day. We should have arrived around six in the evening, but unfortunately, we got stuck in standstill traffic in Louisiana (happens every single time 🙄), and so we didn’t arrive until way later. My best friend, Pamela was also on her way, but was driving through a deluge, which made it so she didn’t arrive until almost 1 am, after we had gone to bed.

When I woke up the next morning, I took a few pictures of the pink sky that was created by the cloudy fog and the sunrise. I also took a few pictures of the main living area, which was perfect for hanging out together.

We attended a local ward for sacrament meeting on Sunday morning, and we also had to get groceries, since my plans of shopping after arriving on Saturday when we didn’t arrive until after 9pm in the dark after driving for about 14+ hours. Then we were able to take it easy.

One of our first things to do was to walk to the beach – just a couple minutes through the neighborhood. The boys had gone on ahead, and Arthur could not resist the pull of the water, and got completely drenched. I should have anticipated that – my kids can never not get into the water at the beach – doesn’t matter the temperature or anything, it will happen. Derek did manage to keep his clothes dry though, but Arthur, well, he had to change once we got back to the house.

I mentioned earlier that Pamela came to join us. When we realized that it would be her kids’ week with their dad, we were so excited for her to come down from Nashville to spend the time with us. It was so perfect. And she may not have been able to resist the water either – ha ha! It was pretty cold though, so I dipped a toe in and then was completely out of the water. (Kevin had a migraine, and so he stayed behind napping.)

We came back to the house for gospel study and then dinner. Afterwards we played a brand new game I got for my birthday on Friday, Listography. It was really fun.

Then it was time to go for another walk on the beach to watch the sunset. It was so beautiful! And it took a few tries to get it written and to take a picture before it got washed away, but Pamela wrote in the sand “Lisa & Pamela 2026” for our spring break remembrance.

Arthur came with us, since Derek was back at the house on a missionary meeting with his district, and this time he managed to stay out of the water. It may have had something to do with firm reminders that he had limited clothes with us, and he had already soaked one outfit today. But wow, just look at that amazing sunset over the ocean. Spectacular.

On Monday, Kevin was up at the insane hour of 3:30ish, so that he could begin his golfing adventure of playing both in Mississippi and Alabama. He started at Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Alabama. He finished up pretty quickly, and drove to Whispering Pines course in Mississippi, where they let him tee of two hours early. He played pretty fast there as well, and so made it back to the house in Florida about five hours earlier than he thought. Pretty awesome, and he had a fabulous time. Two more states down, only 15 to go.

The rest of us did not wake up super early, but we definitely enjoyed the gorgeous, sunny weather that Monday brought with it. It was still about 70 degrees, which was perfect. And I love how you can see the ocean through the pine trees from the house, and that the azaleas were blooming everywhere.

Pamela and I started the day with a 3 mile walk on the beach, which was not only beautiful, but it was much needed therapy for both of us as we talked about the hard things in our lives, about God, and so many other things. The boys had already managed to get the beach supplies out of the shed, and were having a blast as we came by.

After getting showered and ready for the day, we left the boys to their own devices (which you can do when they are 20 and 13). They had a blast at the beach, went swimming in the pool, and watched a movie. Meanwhile, the two of us went exploring, shopping, and out to lunch at a yummy place near Wendy’s house. It was awesome.

Later on, we came back to the house and rested, watched a movie, and figured out what we wanted to do for dinner for the four of us, since Kevin wasn’t home yet. Then it was time for another sunset on the beach.

We sat and talked as we watched the sun sink lower and lower, and then finally had to head back before we lost all the light, since there aren’t any street lights.

When Kevin got home, we tried out all the different cakes that Pamela and I had bought at the local market, which were supposed to be really good, but they were only okay. It was a bit disappointing, but oh well. The donuts we had the day before were really yummy.

Tuesday was our last full day in Florida, and so Pamela and I had Kevin join us for our walk. (Sadly, he had stepped in a hole the day before and sprained his ankle, so I think he was in a lot of pain.). I wasn’t feeling all that great, so it was much shorter than Monday, but it was so great to be out there with the waves and the sand. And Arthur and Derek were already out there enjoying things.

The sunshine from the day before was gone, but we didn’t mind.

When Pamela and I got back from the walk, she and I went on a bike ride to the cute little town and shops nearby. Kevin stayed behind with the boys, and later met up with us for lunch at this yummy place called “Scratch Biscuits,” which was delicious. The ebikes were awesome, and perfect because although Wendy’s neighborhood was nice and calm, the streets and parking situation everywhere else was insane!! We had so much fun!

Later that evening, Kevin, Pamela and I went on an adventure and got some amazing ice cream at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. It was especially good after the disappointing cakes. The boys never knew we went without them, but it was okay, because I let them eat an entire half gallon I had bought at Walmart on their own anyway – ha ha!

Because Wendy was so gracious to let us stay in her home, especially without her there, we tried to some things to make things easier or better for her. For example, she had mentioned that she needed slider things on her chairs so they wouldn’t scrape the floor, and so we got some and Kevin put them on.

That night was our last sunset on the beach. While Pamela and I were sitting there and enjoying the peace and beauty, and sweet group of girls who were there for a bachelorette event came to the beach and were trying to get some pictures. They asked if I could snap one of them, and it was so fun posing them and taking a bunch of shots for them with the sunset in the background. I love putting on my photographer hat.

The next morning was our last day, so we started washing sheets, and then Pamela and I headed out on a walk. We decided to walk around the neighborhood since we hadn’t really explored it, and we found a lake/intercoastal area, which was really cool. And a sign that said, “Not every day is precious. Waste today! You deserve it!” – pretty funny!

After that, we switched our shoes and headed to the beach one last time. The boys had already come and played, and so they were back and getting showered. This time at the ocean was so truly special and so very needed for all of us, and it was hard to let it go.

After cleaning, washing bedding, remaking beds, and packing up, it was time to say goodbye. Wow, it was such an amazing gift to spend that time at Wendy’s house, and especially that Pamela was able to come and join us.

The drive back was long and we didn’t get home until about midnight, but it was worth it to spend that time in paradise – to relax, take a breath, and have time to process both the things that are going on with my health, and the things we pray for for our family. Heaven really is closer than you think.