Just returned from an impromptu trip back to Michigan – actually, I’m writing this in the Delta Sky Lounge in the Minneapolis airport, thanks to my generous seatmate who had an extra pass. I was dreading my 2.5-hour layover here, but now I get to relax, eat free food and use free Wi-Fi. Good lesson to be nice to fellow passengers!

My weekend trip – which I booked on Tuesday, flew on Thursday – was a bittersweet one. Grandpa Redick is the reason for it: He made a decision on Tuesday to quit fighting his myelodysplastic syndrome. This was my opportunity to say goodbye before it gets the best of him. It’s tough seeing how quickly my wisecracking Grandpa has withered from a golfing machine to being confined to his armchair. I suppose I’m lucky that I still have three grandparents, but still – I sure hate getting older and having everyone around me do the same.

The silver lining was I got to see my family and friends. Jenny and Vanessa celebrated their 32nd birthdays with a crew at Village Inn, my nieces Ava and Macy and little cousin Raegan dressed up for the Saginaw Zoo Boo, Grandma Ratajczak and Uncle Ron hung out at my parents’ for an afternoon, Mom and Dad cashed in at the Standish casino (me and Shel, not so much)…we squeezed some quality time into my 48 hours. I miss being so close to everyone! It’s tougher when things like Grandpa’s ailment come up. But thankfully I can always book a flight and be back when I need to – which is the next best thing, right?

Anyway, lots of love to my Grandpa as well as my Grandma Redick, who’s struggling with Alzheimer’s and acting far from her old self. Send some prayers their way for me!

Spending time with Grandpa Redick before we head to Saginaw Zoo Boo

Best buds and cousins Raegan and Ava, heading into Saginaw Zoo Boo

The “stinky cow” petting a real stinky cow

Dad and Macy (mini dinosaur)

Raegan, Ava and Macy on the carousel

Dave, Ava and Uncle Ron hanging out

Lori, Ava, Mom, Macy and Grandma Ratajczak

Ava and her kitty Oliver (who actually lives at my parents’ place)

Miss these girls! Ashley and Jenny

Shots for the extended Redick family

Ash and Vanessa (one of the birthday girls)

The adorable Meylans: Mark and Jenny

Ashley and her burly husband Steve

The Redick siblings – together for the first time since Christmas!