ON THE ROAD AGAIN
When I first started on this journey, listening to my music with the windows
rolled down as I drove through cornfields a song came on that got me thinking
of all of you. "Sowing the seeds of love....." I thought, that's what we are
about here! Sowing the seeds of love... and here I was about to see what the
crops had reaped! How exciting!!! But nothing could have prepared me for
_all_ of the positives that I have experienced over these last 10 days.
NOTHING.
I have learned sooo much during these traveling times.
First Stop: JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
From Robert I have learned about patience, acceptance, and the meaning of
giving. He took me to a job fair and in a matter of less than a half hour I
have two _very_ good prospects for a job! Poor Robert has heard over and over
again all of my fears, my troubles, my anxieties concerning this move-- and
he calmly goes over them with me with balming thoughts, ideas, words that
reassure me that what I'm doing is the right thing. Always offering his hand
in friendship. I worried about housing...and he took me house hunting. I
found one!!! Keep your fingers crossed as we wait out their decision. Sitting
under the stars with Robert as I smoked my cigs- looking at those stars,
smelling the fresh air (minus my pollution)- walking his Buddy and hearing
the peace and tranquility...feeling SAFE....how very foreign to me! And he
takes all of this in stride. All the inconveniences I have put him through by
just hanging 'round-- he never bitched (oh yeah-- maybe to YOU guys-- but
never to me!) I can't wait to get back there and aggravate him even
more....and rebuild my life.
Saying goodbye to Robert was easy because I knew I'd be back there soon. But
as I travelled farther away from Florida, I found it equally as hard to
leave-- Poor Carlos practically had to push me into the car- I wanted nothing
to end! Ooops I'm jumping too far ahead.
Next stop: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Rosa taught me about contentment- and Brad showed me what dedication looks
like in it's most loving form. Rosa reminded me that no matter how bad things
can get-- let's always remember the good-- and hold that to our hearts when
things don't look so hot. Brad, in everything he did showed his undying love
for our Rosa. His total dedication to her happiness and well-being. How
lovely to have been a witness to the love that they share between them!
Sitting with Rosa outside and watching the sun shine up her beautiful
surroundings-- talking of our old times, our new times and what is still yet
to be will be in my heart forever.
Dave taught me about laughter-- the gift of seeing the joy in our
surroundings. I finally got that Dave Lighthall Famous Hug-- and man is it a
doozy!!! He's full of life, ideas, warmth and everything to him is
"incredible" !!!! Whenever I hear that word now, I'll think of our Dave! He
says to say hello to all of you and you have NOT heard the end of him!
Next stop: PLANO, Texas--
"Okay, here's the deal"...started my whirlwind time with our Carroll!! From
Carroll I learned the gift of hospitality, determination, and the fun in
living the here and now. What an unusual combination, but let me tell y'all
(cowgirl in training is workin on her lingo!) this man has them all down pat!
I have never met a man quite like him-- he says what he means- and he does
what he says. I learned to two-step (no, I did _not_ fall thank you very
much!) and had the best Texas steak to be had. I asked Carroll to take me
near some water to walk off some of that delicious meal and he took me to a
lake even he hadn't visited in quite awhile.... and lo and behold- an improv
drum session was in progress! Calypso music, Cajun, American, African -- all
these different drums were beating in unison to make one of the most haunting
sounds you'll ever hear. The music only added to the stars shining brightly
and the moon cascading it's white sheen over the waters- and of course the
wonderful conversation that Carroll and I had about life, love, living, and
new beginnings. I'll never forget this magical night and the warmth of being
around a friend like Carroll. Cowboy, I'll never forget you as well.
Next stop: ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
Could my time get any better? Could my heart hold on to any more good
feelings or could it saturate any more positive energies flowing into it?
Carlos showed me that not only could it, but it can even linger once leaving.
After singing almost non-stop during the course of this trip (yes even after
the radio broke!) driving into the city of Alb. I was silenced by the
majestic mountains that surround his city. The powerful pull that they hold
to your eyes--you don't want to ever look away from them- nor can you ever
forget them once you've seen them. And he took me to the top of those
mountains- a crest 9 miles up- I was lightheaded and awestruck. We watched
the sun set beyond the mountains, it's redness pulsating outward as if
engulfing the city itself. Truly a sight to behold. And to see the city
lights come on from up there! Breathtaking! Carlos, the perfect tourguide
with his unending vessel of knowledge of animal and plantlife made this a
learning experience as well. But not the most important thing that I learned
from him. I learned to truly accept what life is offering to me and to not
wallow in the negativity but rather open my arms to the positives. Our time
together was filled with such an intensity of spirit that when I left, I
stole a piece of his soul to take back with me, but left a bit of mine in
hopes that he wouldn't notice.
Next Stop: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
Still knocked dumbstruck from all the wonderful experiences this trip has
brought my way, I'm not sure how I ever got to Great-Grandmas to pick up
Cathy, but I did. And OH!!!! The sheer energy and life that she emanates!!!!!
It's like watching a deflated balloon re-inflate- almost looking like it will
burst-but it never does! After getting a good nights sleep, I was soooo
anxious to see my little one that I drove non-stop save for gas all the
way-- and I'm so glad I did because she was anxiously waiting by the window
for my arrival.... And she chittered/chattered all the way home, not letting
go of my hand, - thanking me for this time that she had to learn so much
about herself and to come to fully appreciate all that she is! What another
lovely suprise!!!
Final Destination: DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Phillip thought he was dreaming when we came and knocked on our neighbor's
door to pick him up at nearly 2 in the morning! And he was soooo happy!!!!!
And told me of how spoiled he was while we were away!!! Mr. Adams, my sister
and Warren's sister made sure that he had the best damn time!!! HE needed
this too!
And so-- Phillip has changed. Cathy has changed. I have changed.
And as we embark on the biggest changes yet to come- I now realize just how
good change can be.
I love you all,
Bridget
6-29-96
