Flashbacks and Gratitude

A post trip wrap-up has been on my mind. Flashes of memories from our trip keep visiting me, whether it is quad riding with my Dad on my Aunt Natalie's farm, running from one barn to another in the pouring rain out at the Gilmore Auto Museum in Michigan, or the laugh we shared in Bayard, Nebraska at the worst motel I've ever slept in.

I'm remembering and marveling at the astonishing number of Fireworks for Sale signs and stores we saw in every state but California. I'm thinking of all those dead raccoons and bloated deer we passed on the roads. I'm beyond grateful that when I was driving, and did come upon a buck, that I didn't hit it!

I'm thinking how lucky Dad and I were to travel so well together, that we both like to read before sleeping and again when we wake up. I didn't know that. I didn't know that we liked so many of the same foods or would so often both decide on the same meal to order which became an amusement to us both.

One of the pieces of furniture we brought back from Kentucky is now in my living room. It was a favorite of my Grandmother's - I used to get into all its little drawers when I was a kid, which drove my Grandma crazy. It looks really lovely in my home, is full of memories of my Grandmother, but now also provides me with memories of how it arrived to my home and this adventurous time with my Pop for his 70th birthday.

I won't be able to see Peanut M&Ms, Red Vines Licorice or Diet Pepsi without thinking of my Father ;)

I'm grateful for the time and freedom in my life right now that allowed us this shared experience. I'm grateful too that Dad was able to find the time to spend 2 weeks away from his family and his endeavors. Time is very much a blessing.

This weekend is Father's Day and I feel like I was just given the best Father's Day ever: a deeper friendship via this road trip adventure with my Pop.