#29 / 2003 Tour 2: The final report

FINAL TRAVEL REPORT FOR 2003

#29

When we sat down with our friends to watch some of our travel footage in New Mexico, I felt like I was watching someone else’s videos. The shots were all so magnificent - Death Valley, Yosemite, the Oregon Coast - and I feel like I wasn't there. Having suffered unexpected major surgery on the road and slowly recovering on the streets in the back of a van, it took a lot out of me. 

Finally, I feel completely recovered, but it is with great sadness that I close out these chapters of our national travel report. I didn’t really start enjoying the last leg of our trip, the most enthralling section of the country, until it was time to return home. Yet, I gained a lot. The goals were to document grief, fear, and wonder. What do I know now that I didn’t know then? I think I am calmer, more accepting, and hopefully more loving.

It is very humbling to be ill and helpless. I had to depend on the kindness of strangers so many times, as Blanche DuBois would say, and that kindness was there for me time and time again. I've learned if I will just keep my big mouth shut and my nose out of affairs, there is a loving presence that is watching over me.

I have been humbled by the love of my life’s partner Joe Speer, who helped save my life even as he gave it more meaning time and time again through his quiet and tender love.

Everything worked out, the van never broke down, the bills got paid back home by insurance, and all my prayers for my son seem to have been answered.

Doug got a big promotion at work to office manager; he is in charge of ALL the money at the grocery store chain where he works. His hours are better, he comes home earlier, and he is ecstatic. When he is happy I am happy.

So we are all grateful around here, pleased to be home, and ready to settle down and belly up to the work bench. Happy holidays from Beatlick Joe and Beatlick Pamela