I made it to Arizona and back.
Buckaroo came with me. I'm fortunate both my young adults are good travel companions. We had long talks about complicated topics. We played road bingo ("Find five animals, bonus if one of them is an armadillo.") We took turns playing songs, where I found out Buckaroo's playlist is very similar to mine. We also listened to Band of Brothers.
I saw those on my priority list. Bonus Dad is down 100 pounds. He's still battling the after-affects of that massive heart attack he had last August. Plus, he has a few aging issues that get us all. For example, he forgot my married last name, but could spell my maiden name--complete with all the extra vowels.
We stayed with my brother and his wife. That comes with a mixed bag of blessings and childhood trauma--but mostly blessings. For the record, we laugh about the childhood trauma. Patrick, my awesome nephew kept us grinning. I would have let him stow away back to Texas (he tried) however, we weren't going straight home.
We stopped by and saw Mrs. Meadows in South East Arizona for the night, which, just like Bonus Dad, turned into another bittersweet visit with an octogenarian. It has occurred to me this might be my last visit with both.
I had purposeful visits with long-time friends, who make me smile and make me think. These are the women who have brought out the best in me and called me out through the years when I wasn't my authentic self. Those visits were wonderful. I wish they would have lasted longer.
Because Buckaroo was with me, I also saw a few folks I hadn't planned on seeing. However, one of those visits turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. Buck's Bonus Mama told me about this book she was reading. She said, "You know, the one you liked on your Facebook page. It's really good." When I told her I swore I had no idea (I truly didn't) she said, "The Calling. Have you read it?" At which point, the lightbulb went off and I put two and two together. So, let me just say this: Someone I know was reading my book and didn't know I wrote it! Woot!
On the way home, we made it from Mrs. Meadow's home in nowhere Arizona to Abilene Texas only to find out there were no hotels in a 107 mile range available. NONE! The annual Rattlesnake Roundup happens in the area on the second weekend in March and folks were coming from all over to roundup their fair share of these critters (pro-tip: do this in Cochise County Arizona!) and there was some sort of weight lifting competition happening the same weekend.
Buck, who had been hacking and coughing for three days, suggested we drive another three hours to Fort Worth. I suggested we sleep in the van. Providence stepped in and the Air B&B owner I'd messaged got back to me and told us to come on over. By the way, if you are ever in Abilene Texas, this Air B&B is the cutest place! Hit me up! I'm never staying in another hotel in Abilene if I can help it.
My phone is currently on do not disturb--which is unnecessary given the Coronas are on some sort of Jesus retreat at the moment. Luna is at my feet. I'm on the front end of whatever crud Buckaroo has been battling. Today I'm doing laundry, resting and fighting off the deep depression which always comes from visiting Arizona (I'm fine. Really.). I'm glad I went on my trip. But I'm even happier to be home.
