I was supposed to meet some of the girls from work today at the Isles Casino for a day of fun. Since I needed the car , I was going to take my husband to work and pick him up later. Just as we were getting ready to go, I received a text from my sister-in-law Debbie. Our niece, Sydney, is starting middle school next month, and on Saturday she went to the doctor for the required shots in both shoulders. In her text, my sister-in-law asked if Sydney could stay with me today instead of going to camp because one shoulder was sore and a bit swollen.

I looked at my husband and asked him what I should do. He said since I already had plans I should keep them. So I texted my sister-in-law and told her about my plans. She said no worries, she understood. A minute later, Sydney , herself texted me to ask if she could come over and stay with me. At that point I really didn’t know what do, but I knew I had to make a decision. By the time my husband and I went downstairs to the car, my decision was made.

I called my sister-in-law and told her I was on my way to take my husband to work, but that I should be back home by 7:40, and she could meet there with Sydney. I then texted one of the friends I was going to meet and said I wasn’t going to be able to make it , which she understood.

So after dropping my husband at work, I went back home to meet up with my sister-in-law and niece. We wound up pulling in at exactly the same time. Talk about timing! My sister-in-law, thanked me and went off to work.

As Sydney and I went upstairs , she thanked me, hugged me, and said I was ” the best Aunt ever,” for taking her today. As conflicted as I had been this morning, at that moment I knew in my heart that I had made the right decision, and don’t regret it for even a second. I didn’t go to the casino, but , as far as I’m concerned, today I won the jackpot.