I've driven thousands of miles with Erica. We started doing long car trips early on in our relationship. Our first long trip was to Southern California to go to my brother's wedding. I still remember her feet perched up on the dash of the car, magazine open on her lap with that beautiful look of contentment on her face.
Over the years and hours of miles the scene has been very similar to that first journey. Except, in 1991 we added a passenger. Then again in 1995. And another in 1999. And our final addition to the car trip crew came in 2002. (incidentally the car seems smaller now... for some reason?)
Today, we made our yearly sojourn from Eugene to the central coast of California to be with my family for Thanksgiving. A 12-hour journey we have made at least 30 or 40 times in the last 16 years. But this afternoon I was overcome with gratitude for my best friend over in the passenger seat. Feet perched up on the dash, magazine open on her lap, and that beautiful look of contentment on her face.
We have listened to thousands of songs, read dozens of books, munched on good snacks, hashed out many of life's problems and watched our family grow. As I looked in my rear view mirror this afternoon at my two teenage daughters and my the other two munchkins watching Hairspray on the DVD, I was reminded that its not 1988 anymore. And... can I tell you how glad I am about that. Because in "life's rear view mirror" I see thousands of memories, moments and miles that I am honored to have lived and traveled with best friend... and our kids.
more thankful than before,
VAN
1 comment:
Oooo, Van....that was a good one!
Bring that van on over here to Redwood City so we can make some more memories! The rocky road is waiting! Sue
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