Health issues and finances prevented us from making a big deal over our fortieth anniversary. It’s been a very rough couple years. Then out of the blue a few months later came a way for us to take a cross country trip to see our kids. We prayed and asked God if He was sure about this. So He sent us a blessing and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this! Y’all have a good time.” [I knew it was the Lord because He had a southern accent.]  So off we went as though we had good sense.

Our 3100 mile road trip took us through twelve states with cities like Saint Louis where the big arch is. Though we didn’t stop long enough to ride to the top, we were sufficiently impressed snapping pictures from Interstate 55.

We passed beautiful stadiums where the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints play. We did not go by the Cowboy’s stadium as we we’re busy trying to stay alive while navigating Dallas. On the last leg of the journey I was able to see the ports of Houston from high upon the bridge over Baytown. But once again David was busy with the pesky details of driving. Even though we checked Google Maps on our phones as well as the Atlas we found crammed under the seat, we still made one wrong lane change near Baton Rouge and ended up two hours off course. Who would think that I-10 would divide into both north and south of Lake Pontchartrain? But that’s how we saw the New Orleans Saints Superdome.

Before we left home I had the desire to veer off the path and tour the annual antique show and flea market in Round Top Texas. It’s said to stretch over three hundred acres with two thousand vendors, give or take. Dealers come from across the country bringing their treasure. Even the Junk Gypsies have a booth there each year. But by the time we’d traveled from Illinois, the home of our first daughter, all the way through Texas, I decided there was nothing I’d rather see than our second daughter Amanda and her sweet family.

Did we miss some stuff by taking the fastest routes? Yes we did. Did we see what we set out to see? Yes we did. We toured Ramsey Illinois sufficiently and got a good peace of mind about where Stephanie’s family has settled. We enjoyed Corpus Christi and gained assurance that as beautiful as it is, Amanda’s family will not call it home forever. We were able to hold our grandchildren in our arms instead of just our hearts. We saw a beautiful sunrise then outran pitch dark clouds as we left Oklahoma where the wind really does come sweepin’ down the plain. (You know you can’t go through Oklahoma without singing the song.) Then a glorious rainbow burst through the clouds assuring us of God’s great protection and love as we crossed into Texas.

Leaving Corpus Christi was bittersweet. After nearly two weeks on the road I longed for home. Our sweet two-year old grandson waved good-bye as we blew kisses and smiled through the tears. We have no idea when we’ll see him again. As we headed out early that Wednesday morning, there was a beautiful lunar eclipse. I don’t recall ever seeing one. Topping the South Padre Island Bridge, there glistening over the water, the bright gorgeous moon appeared as if cosmic cookie monster had taken a generous bite.

Now that our trip is over I’m reminded of some important things.

• The most amazing sights are not manmade.

• Loved ones are the best treasures.

• And home is with the man I’ve loved for over forty years, wherever that may be.

No matter how hard life gets, we’re on this crazy journey together. Hand in hand we travel as the Lord continues to assure us. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Y’all go and have a good time.”

That by itself is a pretty big deal.