THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408110068
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: MARRIED TO THE NAVY
SOURCE: MARY MAHONEY
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
AS A MILITARY family, vacation is most often synonymous not with travels across the globe or stateside tourist attractions, but with a visit to the relatives.
Each summer Bill, Chivon and I travel don't have to spend hours looking at brochures to decide where to go. The decision is easy. We travel to New Jersey and New York because this is where our parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins reside. The people we call family.
Before departing Virginia Beach, we receive many phone calls from family members asking about our plans and accommodations. We are given reasons why we should stay with this brother and not that sister. At this point we search our memories and try to recall whom we stayed with the previous year. But we are grateful for all the invitations.
Once we are packed, our vacation has officially begun. Bill, Chivon and I look forward to seeing the extended family, kicking back and relaxing.
Several hours later we reach our destination. The three of us are tired and edgy, and I have one thought on my mind: to shower, relax and sleep. It is unimportant where I sleep, just that I get some sleep.
Our hosts, however, have other plans for us. We graciously accept their invitations to dinner and listen endlessly to stories of their lives and the wonderful accomplishments their children have made since our last visit.
We are thankful for the wonderful meal, but sleep weighs heavy on our minds. I inform my relations that we are still tired and that tomorrow would be a better time to catch up on the news and family gossip.
But my attempt is futile.
Upon arriving at their home, we all agree that there is no need to stay up all night chatting. It's too late for that. As dawn begins to peek through the windows, we go to bed.
We awaken, rested and revitalized, and plan our agenda for the remainder of our visit. We then realize there will be little or no time to do all that we had planned.
My sailor and I love each member of our extended families, and we still get homesick at times, even after 16 years of living at a distance.
Now I am wondering why is it that after I visit them a few days, I long to get back in the car and go home. Home, where I can sit in silence with my feet up?
Each year we intend to visit relatives during the holiday season to allow us the opportunity to have a summer vacation with just the three of us. But something always prevents us from going.
I long for the day when we can have a real family vacation. I know that will not happen unless our families come to live near us. MEMO: Mary Mahoney writes a monthly column about military life. by CNB