Road Prep

So safety on the road is a real concern. No, we won't be wearing bike helmets all the way, but we are making sure we have all the seatbelts installed that we need, door and hatch locks, etc. But stranger safety is also a big concern that we ALL need to work on. When we were preparing to make this trip many people worried that we were taking our kids out into the big, dangerous world. We pondered this question when shortly thereafter a very angry man knocked at our door one day with intent to harm. This definitely shifted our perspective! So we proceed with the idea that anger and hatred can land anywhere, especially where you invite it. That there is a fine line to be walked between we-are-all-one love for all and do NOT thread on me or this will go badly for you. Not a line really that you can find and pin down with GPS, not really oppositional places at all actually. I believe they coexist. We can all be one and love one another and still understand that people are human and get angry or get themselves into mentally awful places and do stupid things to be avoided. So the fine line is actually a moment to moment series of choices that creates an unseen path.

This place became EXTREMELY evident yesterday when I encountered another extremely angry man in the parking lot of the local grocery store. We almost collided in the parking lot and his car came to a screeching halt. I had pulled in front of him not seeing his tiny car behind a larger truck and since he was speeding through the parking lot. Initially I stepped out of the car to apologize for not seeing him. When he stepped out and towered over me at more than 6 feet and probably 350lbs, anger outweighing all that in spades, I realized I had made a huge mistake. I proceeded to apologize through his swears and insults. Then, the reality of the huge mistake happened. My 72 year old father with Alzheimers stepped out of the car and proceeded to defend my honor. The man was three times the size of my father, but this did not matter. When in papa bear mode my father can match sailor tongues with the best of them - and he did. I begged the large man, in my not-so-whispery voice, saying "Please, he has Alzheimer's!". "I don't give a &%^$ what he has!" At this, an 85 year old Vietnam Vet with long white hair and a white beard stepped in. Truthfully, the whole thing would have been comical if it weren't so terrifying. I stood in the center of the three men trying to throw reason into an increasingly building fire. It culminated in the large man hitting the Vet with my arms and body, the vet screaming "He assaulted me!!! Call the police!!", a few more pleas from me to just get in his car and go and, finally, calm. Shaking, I turned to face my father, the two babies in the car and an epic grocery trip I probably should have abandoned!

So what is to be gained from this? Well, I later took a few amazing paddles (as directed by my healer sisters) that has sent ripples of love throughout my family. But having this happen just prior to our departure will certainly make me more reserved in my quick judgements - thinking I can fix anything and make it better. ESPECIALLY when in the presence of my children or my dad! And now, a few pics of the wind down to departure.

Doughnuts for George Rody, more building out and FRIENDS!!!! FIVE DAYS TIL DEPARTURE!!!!! See you on the TRIP side! S.