my daughter had a soccer tournament over the weekend. last one for the season, thankfully. Saturday 2 games (immediately following 4 am dialysis) and Sunday 2 games. location over an hour away. this time, we somehow managed to afford the privilege to stay in a hotel.

this hotel stay was the first time we've stayed away from home since 2000, the year our daughter died ( i tend to keep track of time in terms of the year she died and the year 2014, when i almost died. not to sound too morbid or melancholy, it just is. and i'm okay with it). but anyways...

this experience was thoroughly enjoyed and thoroughly needed. though the team struggled for wins (as usual, sigh), the point was for my daughter to do her best (which she did) and to have fun (which she also did). and all while, daddy and i had the luxury to drive back to a nearby hotel (we stayed at a Residence Inn Marriott) which turned out to be an awesome getaway and the best idea we've had all year long.

it was like a home away from home. full kitchen and amenities. unlike being at home, in our cluttered, dusty/dated apartment we had the advantages of: air condition. space. cleanliness (at least without a blue light).  frig w/food we'd purchased. a tv. and most importantly, we had each other w/our yarn, books, board/card games and laptops.

so the plan is. to try to get away more often. live more fully. yes, having to commit to dialysis treatments three times per week puts a strain on things, but travel is doable. all i have to do is, if need be, find another clinic in the area i'm visiting. yes having more financial stability would make this easier with only one income [i'm not on disability, long story], but we may be able to take smaller, mostly local trips more often. because during that weekend excursion, we quickly learned, we all need a break from it all. we need a stress-free, leisurely getaway.