On The Two Year Anniversary of "The Trip"

The Gillette and Douglas (missing Brandon) families March 18, 2014

This morning I woke with a quizzical feeling of “I am supposed to be doing something.”  It was just a run of the mill Tuesday with nothing more than laundry, schoolwork and perhaps a stop at the library to pick up the book I have on hold.  But then it comes to me that this is MARCH 18^TH.  It is the anniversary of our AWESOME adventure across the USA in 2012 or “THE TRIP” as we refer to it.  I closed my eyes and remembered back to what we were doing exactly two years ago at this moment.  We were rushing to pack the last items into their allotted areas, shower and stuff the cold food into the small fridge and ice chest.   We waved goodbye to husbands and Brandon as we set out onto the open road ready to experience all it had to offer us.  None of us really knew all that awaited us but we would not be disappointed in the long run.  As most who have embarked on a life changing adventure would agree, we have been left with a wanderlust in our hearts to continue on.   Pam and I talk often of the next chapter in our story that we desire to fulfill, the Northern border of the USA.  All too soon, we will be empty nesters with no children to tote along with us so we both feel the pressing down of the sand draining out of the hour glass.  With both of us working and teaching middle and high schoolers, we feel the pressures of daily life taking over us.  Time and money dictate those precious moments available to spend on trips but the dream lives on. We both will never regret the huge investment that we have made into our kids lives and memories.  The frequent comments when we read about or see pictures of the places that we have been are a welcome reminder to me of that.  To think that we may have inspired others to follow through on their own dreams is a nice thought, too.  Both my New Jersey relatives who traversed the country west this past summer and my brother, that will travel across the country this next summer, have made their dream to travel a reality.

 Today as I look at pictures, I am reminded of how quickly time passes….the kids have all grown so much.  True it has only been two years but their lives have changed a lot since "the trip".  I texted Pam a “Happy Anniversary” message and we both agreed that the blessings that we have experienced were worth the planning and saving.  To commemorate our trip we will have our second annual southern BBQ get together.  Our menu will include BBQ chicken, salad, baked beans, potatoes, cornbread and of course, benets.  Late, as always, we rush to get to our anniversary dinner at the Douglases.  Will things ever change???  Maybe not, but I hope that Pam and I have successfully given our kids a confidence to take off on adventures of their own and that they will see fun and exciting things in the future.  Who knows where the road will lead.......