Dawn and I had planned to go down to San Diego to visit her parents that weekend.We left the same night I had the biopsy.She had given me the opportunity to cancel and stay home, but I felt the need to go.We had planned this trip last month and I knew she wanted to spend the weekend away from home.After all, a visit to her parents’ house is like a mini-vacation.Their home is located in a private, comfortable, and quiet community.A giant club house, equipped witha huge pool, a full fitness room, an indoor basketball court, and a great restaurant sits at the top of the hill and overlooks the country side.Her parents live right down the street.
Their home is a lush single story gem, reminding me of a quaint Spanish adobe.They have a beautifully painted courtyard in the center of the house, a large kitchen, and a pool table serves as the center piece to their game room which is adorned with signed helmets, autographed Jerseys, and framed pictures.An entertainment center serves as the focal point of their large living room.Too bad it was baseball season.Did I mention that her parents dine us like royalty, and quench us like winos.
It was an easy decision to move forward with this escapade.More importantly, it would provide an opportunity to reveal the important events that had developed over the past couple weeks.“How should I tell them?” I found myself asking Dawn during the drive down there.We came up with a simple solution.Tell them the truth.The real issue I struggled with was the opening delivery.I wasn’t sure of the appropriate way to reveal such a shocking statement.Not only was I still a rookie to this story telling, but this was a very important audience.I couldn’t and didn’t want to dodge this one.
When we arrived, smiles and hugs were followed by glasses of wine…a perfect signal to lead into the story.I kindly refused the wine and began explaining why.I had rehearsed this during the drive down.I had it memorized in the car, yet my train of thought had derailed like Amtrack and the words stumbled out of my mouth like its passengers.By the time I reached the ‘inconclusive results,’ I wasn’t sure if their looks of confusion were from the tragedy of the situation, or the horrid storytelling that spewed out of my mouth.I was wishing for a third possibility: they had been drinking recklessly all day and were incoherent.“Don't think like that," her Dad said reassuring both of us. "I’m sure you’ll be fine. Have a seat, the food will be ready shortly,” he continued, heading towards the patio to retrieve the rib eye steaks and chicken from the grill.What a treat.
We spent a great weekend together.On Saturday, we went to Solana beach, a dog friendly beach.We took Sammy, originally Dawn’s dog, but given up for adoption to the loving home of Mom and Dad.I took him for a run.We ran at least 2 miles, up and down the beach, his leash nearly decapitating innocent bystanders as he cut in and out of the water sporadically.I should probably take it easy after surgery.We headed back.The surf was too good to pass up.Her dad and I had to take the boogie boards for a ride.We caught a few good waves and ended the day with a blockbuster night.Biopsies are outpatient surgeries for a reason, but I couldn’t help but hear “POW, like someone punching you in the stomach.”I felt fine.
The following day, before we left, her dad gave Dawn a book.The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. “I would like you to read this, Dawn,” he then looked at me “Don’t read this yet, I don’t want you to get any ideas.”It was one of the most touching books I have read.St. Randy is true to his humanity.Although biased, I highly recommend it.You can order it at www.valorebooks.com.