Paying it Forward

Tonight I offered to babysit for little R so his dad could go to rugby practice while his mom was at a work dinner. J and I went to college together and he was not only my RA in the dorms but we became really good friends. He lent me his car more times than I can count without even thinking twice, let me use his computer ALL the time and let me escape to his room when I needed to get away from my high maintenance roommates. He did all these things without ever asking anything in return. And he probably never imagined that one day we would be neighbors and I would be babysitting for his child. Generosity and kindness really does come back around.

In Loving Memory of William Tripp

I am deeply saddened to share that we lost a member of our family who we loved very much. I received a phone call today letting me know that Uncle Billy had had a heart attack this morning and passed away, 5 months shy of his 60th birthday. I am so thankful that he was with a friend when this happened and not alone.

My uncle, my mom's brother, was never married and never had his own children. My 2 siblings, myself and our cousin were his surrogate children and he took so much pride and joy in our lives. We are a very tight knit Italian family and not only was he my uncle, but my god father also. I was the first born girl in an Italian family so you can imagine how much my god father loved, adored and of course, spoiled me. He fondly referred to me as Number One. My brother insists that this is because I was the first born but I know it's because I was the favorite.

It is so difficult to put into words what an incredible person my uncle was and the hardships he has faced in his life with no complaints. When he was only a teenager, he was shipped off to fight in the Vietnam War as a healthy and vibrant 18 year old. Not long after his return, he contracted type II diabetes which completely altered his personality and changed his life forever. His diabetes was extremely difficult to manage leading to many, many hospital stays after going into insulin reactions more times than I can remember. Over the summer, Uncle Billy had to have quadruple bypass surgery and the doctors were very impressed with his recovery. Quadruple bypass is a high risk surgery for someone who is healthy so you can imagine how high risk it is for a brittle diabetic. At his last check up with the heart doctor which was about 3 weeks ago, he was given the green light to play golf again. Two weeks ago he left for his annual trip to his condo in Aruba, returning on Sunday night. Two days later, he passed away. 

I was up in the Poconos on a business trip when I received the call. It's amazing how everything can change in a split second. One minute I'm pitching a sale to a customer with plans to hit the Pottery Barn outlet on my way to my next meeting and the next I'm excusing myself to take an urgent phone call from my husband, which of course, ended the meeting. Because I was halfway between Annapolis and my parents in western MA, it made the most sense for me to drive straight up to Mass. I honestly have no idea how I got there safely. I drove for 4 hours in complete silence on autopilot. I had to let several calls from friends go straight to voicemail because I knew I would not be able to talk without breaking down and that wasn't a good idea while driving. I think I am still in a complete state of shock. None of it seems real and I'm expecting to wake up and forget about this horrible nightmare. 

Uncle Billy, you were the most wonderful god father and uncle ever. Words can not express how much you will be missed, not only by me but by all of us who knew and loved you. I am lucky to have known you and to have shared the first 31 years of my life with you and am a better person because of it. 

Vail Ski Trip

I returned about a week ago from one of the most amazing (hard to top skiing in the French Alps) ski trips I've ever taken. Sarah, one of my best friends from high school, works for the Ritz Carlton and had decided to take a trip out to the Ritz Bachelor Gulch and I was lucky enough to be invited. I can only describe this ski trip and our accomodations as feeling what it would be like to be rich and famous! I could go on and on about all the luxurious amentities on the trip, but since I'm still working on my letter to the better business bureau and the VW CEO regarding our car, I am a little pressed for time. The view from our balcony.

Ski in. Ski out. No lugging your equipment anywhere, especially with the ski valet (who by the way helps you put your ski boots on and off. If you're a skier, you know what a pain in the a$$ this is especially by the last day when you can barely move)

While I was in awe over our view, Sarah unpacked her heated ski boots circa 1990.

About to ski down to the Ritz for 3:15 hot chocolate and fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookies.

The back bowls of Vail, my new favorite mountain.

We were extremely fortunate to have 3 sunny days in a row. How unbelievably blue is this sky? Not too bad to deal with for all 3 days.

Skiing Beaver Creek below.

The sun still ablazin at apres ski.

Nothing like sitting around the campfire with a cold beer listening to the Fran Liptak guitar wannabe after a full day on the slopes.

We skied 2 of the 3 days with Sarah's good friend Joe who lives in Colorado. We are posing at the location that said "Great spot for family photo." This is our family photo of the trip.

Joe was over the moon about riding the palma lift for the first time. Not quite as exciting as he hoped it would be.

Sarah with Beaver Creek Village in the background on our last day :-(

Thanks for inviting me on such an amazing trip Watty. I had so much fun with you and famous Jack too.