I took Brian to San Antonio on Friday. He knew that part through a slip o' my big mouth, but he didn't know the other details.
He didn't know he was staying at The Menger Hotel, across from the Alamo, until we pullled up in front. He was delighted, but his first question was, "Hey, uh, isn't this place haunted?" Uh, heck yeah it is, but I didn't want to tell the big scardy cat that. He has his gun and handcuffs, right? He'll be fine....I hope.
I had been antsy the whole trip down, and you would think it was the traffic--at least that is what Brian thought, thank goodness. Actually it was the concern we might see one of his surprises on the way down there.
You see, back in December, I asked his two best friends and their wives to meet us in San Antonio as a surprise. I had no idea I would be able to keep a secret that long, but I did. Chris and Cathy live in Burleson and had left about the same time we did.
Turns out that even with a stop at Jason's Deli in San Marcos, another luxury we usually do not afford ourselves on road trips, we still beat them down to SA.
After checking into The Menger, we ambled on in to The Menger Bar to enjoy the ambience. Teddy Roosevelt recruited some of his Rough Riders in the cozy little bar. It is quite dark in there, especially when you first walk in from outside, but the bartender poured generous vodka tonics. We sat down to enjoy each other's company and unbeknownst to Brian, to wait for his surprise to come walking in.
Matt and Wendy, our other friends, could not join us until the next day, but fortunately they don't live very far from San Antonio.
As we sat there and talked about how great it was to be there and celebrating one year of remission, Brian looked up to see one of his best friends amble through the bar. He looked happily confused for a minute as Chris walked right past him. Cathy was a few steps behind.
Surprise!! Whew! Now I could tell him everything! I had been about to bust for weeks!!
That night we went to Waxy O'Conner's on the Riverwalk for dinner and drinks. Chris tried the 30 year old Glenfidditch for a measly $50. Yikes! I'm not a whiskey girl, but it was all right. Apparently you can really taste the oak. I will stick to vodka tonics...or Smithwick's or even Guinness...but never all in the same evening.
Next morning Matt and Wendy arrived and the party was complete. We went to The Alamo at noon for a wreath laying ceremony for the Irish Americans lost at The Battle of the Alamo. After lunch there was a little parade on the river. Then it was time to fight our way back into Waxy's for the evening. The boys didn't have to wait long for a table.
Pipers came and went throughout the afternoon up and down the river. It made Brian think of Scotland and how we will soon be there. Another side effect from his illness--carpe diem. He does not believe in wasting a moment.
We drank and talked and ate, thoroughly enjoying the party atmosphere and ever cognizant of the gift it all was. Brian gave us all a good scare, and I think it's affected each of our little group a little differently. One thing I can say for sure is that we don't take each other or our lives for granted.
It was a wonderful weekend. Great friends, beautiful city, no ghosts. We are thinking of upping the ante next year and heading to Chicago for St. Pat's.
No matter where we go, we will not forget the preciousness of life and great friends.
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