1600 Miles

Almost 1600 miles. I should've drove around the block to get exactly that many. But I didn't because I was too tired to give a rats ass. 

I'm not sure what "drove" me to do this trip. Because honestly I was going to Florida to sit on a beach. Not in a car seat. 

I guess part of me wants to spend what life I have left going to the places my parents took me as a child. That was a lot of places. But these places meant something to them. A different time. A different place. A different marriage. A different goal for their lives and ours. 

Regardless of how I arrived at this decision for my 42nd birthday, I got there. And it needed to be with the people who knew me best. I needed to be able to not speak and have them know exactly what I was saying...

So what did I learn in 1600 miles? 

Plans are ok. It's ok to have one. And an itenarary. And you will probably deviate from it. I knew we would when we didn't leave at exactly 7am. Like I planned. 

When driving 5 different people you should stop often. And feed them. 

That driving up the coast of Michigan doesn't actually show you the coast. That by taking the "faster" route you may encounter several accidents during rush hour and that you probably should've let Sister pee when she said she was going to have to. Always stop when she gives you a warning. 

Feed your passengers. 

That the hotel of your dreams is probably that way for a reason. And that garden view is not a view at all but a driveway. 

That if you are patient a lodge of epic proportions awaits you to accommodate every need you have. In the middle of nowhere. And you will not want to leave. And that if they tell you to go to the restaurant down the road and to take the free appetizer vouchers that the kicker is you should just pay for them because you won't eat the meals that you have to order to make them free. 

That if you stopped at every "sale" sign on the way you would never make it. Anywhere. 

That in one hour you can see the best and worst of humanity. That you will meet a group of random men who will help you carry out your goal, a 1600 mile goal, and they will do it without hesitation or reservation. And be honored doing it. 

And in a flash of a second you will see how inhospitable people can be. And you will forever more be grateful of men like those I met who were the polar opposite. 

And you will realize why Rita hates the Root Cellar. And always has. And always will. 

And you will realize why a cabin in Northern Wisconsin is Heaven. And how important it is to spend just one day laughing uncontrollably with people you love. On a boat. Anchored. And a lot of beer. And good music. And just laugh. My God. Just. Laugh. And you will breathe. Air that is untouched by hate and anger and fog and uncertainty. You will just breathe. 

And to never order more than the combo platter. Ever. 

And that when you are tired you just want to get home and that it will hurt people who want to see you and who haven't seen you. And it will hurt you for hurting them. 

That Sister will tell you if she wants to do a wine tasting. Otherwise. Drop it. 

And that you will be grateful to come back to a job where people finally had your back. 

And that you would be able to leave your prized possession in the care of someone who cares. And that will allow you to be free for a minute. 

You will learn to cherish the little things. Or you should. You damn well better. And your heart will be full of thanks and gratitude for those who helped you get there. Even way before you ever got there. 

I love you Dad. Every day.