We stood at the tail of the Old Man Car. Lingered in a parking lot.
“Why don’t we go grab a coffee? COFFEE?”
“Nah. We need to get home. I’ve gotta be at the VA on Monday. They’ve gotta check my coumadin.” Dad fiddled with his Georgia Bulldog hat. “Remember how I told that Donna at Buffalo River Farm how coumadin was really rat poison?”
“YES, DAD.”
Cars zoomed by the Green Hills Hampton Inn. On the way to wherever.
Whatever.
“DID YOU GO TO THE BATHROOM, DAD???”
“Don’t gotta. Got plenty of toilet paper, though. In case I need Linda to……well…….you know………”
I swallowed. Hard. “YES. I KNOW. ARE YOU SURE—”
“We really need to—”
I hugged my mother. “Thank you. For making this……this……..”
“I’m proud of you, Andra.” Mom blinked. Turned away. “Now, Roy, if you tell me one time how to get out of here, I’m going to put you out on the side of the road.”
“Well, you better not follow them people too close, or I might just poke a hole in the floor with my fake foot brake.”
I leaned on MTM.
And, I waved into my parents’ rear view mirror as they drove away.
Don’t tell them how much I treasure the time we spent on the Natchez Trace.
Really.
Let it be our secret.
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Click here to see the best photos of my parents and me during my Natchez Trace 444-mile walk: Andra Watkins Tumblr
Ten days left to share, for something TOTALLY FREE!!! Tweet, Facebook, type and review your way to Charleston, South Carolina in the To Live Forever Journey to Charleston Contest. The more you enter, the better your chance to WIN. Click here to find out more: Support My Aching Feet.
Roy will never, ever read the book, but he wants you to. To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis is available in paperback and e-book formats at these outlets: Click to Purchase To Live Forever.
It isn’t exactly a reader question, but you’re bemoaning their demise. Keep asking questions, and I’ll answer them.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjig6jh23QM&w=560&h=315]
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27 Comments
I really have no comments, Andra. Just hugs and a smile for you.
Having just spent a week with my “80 something” parents in NJ, I could not agree more with your video statement.
No secret to be kept, Andra, they know…. Besides, your love and affection for your parents screams from every SHOUT or “Now, Roy…” you put to paper! 🙂 Hugs.
That was your best video. Ever.
Loved that video! What a journey, Andra! And the fact that you could take it with your parents is just wonderful.
Your parents were wonderful and I’m so glad you got to spend this time with them. <3
Treasure the time you spent with your parents and keep it close to your heart. These memories will sustain you one day when they are gone. Lots of love to you.
There is nothing more precious than time spent together. I’m glad for all of you that you had the opportunity to share this adventure.
Oh Andra. Love this. :*-)
I join the chorus of delight with all who say enjoy this time with your parents. The video was amazing too. And this post is written with a wonderful feeling. Superb.
Words fail me. (but not a box of tissues.)
Cool that you got to spend that time. I need to do a road trip with my dad … before we can’t anymore.
Gulp. No, of course those aren’t tears in my eyes. <3
My father has passed on, my mum lives thousands of miles away, perhaps that why I giggled and cried a bit to this vid. Loved it.
shahwharton.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gBRmAeJuOU
Funny… I had a dream with those bears above, so I’m sharing. Anyway, now you have to answer a question a day (or every few days) via YouTube, so get ready to not stop doing that, I suppose…
What’s that cliche we all beat to death? 80? It’s the new 70!
It sounds like you made the right call by sticking it out.
A grand adventure indeed…
I waved into my parents’ rear view mirror as they drove away… this is a great line, Andra…. it says a lot.
If my daughters ever start talking to me in all caps…
Sweet. Wonderful, Memorable. Quotable. Thank YOU for sharing so much of yourself and thanks to your mom and dad for joining in. What a great, great thing to do.
My Dad died when I was 15. It would be wonderful to take a walk with him. God Bless, hang on to them. They will not be here forever.
how perfect – like a scene from a movie as they drive off into the sunset )
This has been great! What wonderful and not so wonderful memories! 🙂 (isn’t that always the way?)I hope your book is a bestseller, somehow that seems fitting ending. I read the article about your trip and book in the Post and Courier this morning; I was very proud I felt I knew you personally.
My entire body filled with goose bumps and I could feel the hairs on my head standing up straight! Precious.
You spent time with your parents through this adventure…that is something they and you will treasure for a long time 🙂
What a wonderful present you gave to your parents and yourself! I know you will miss this time with them. For two summers before my Dad died we had a whole family gathering at the beach and I treasure those moments. My niece even did photo books which you need to do for you and your parents.
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