I’m sitting in bed at my mom’s house, reflecting back on this trip. It had many sad moments while we reflected on Aunt Ella and her life, but they were happy moments at the same time. Aunt Ella was a person that brought happy to the forefront when she was around.

The rest of the trip was spent with family and a brief time with friends. Happy times. Dinner with Don & Sue and Nan was filled with laughter and memories. We enjoyed our hours talking and bullshitting. Erin managed to take over Nan and they got to know each other.

Phone calls home made me very aware that home is where Nina is. Erin and I will make the day and a half trip starting around 6 a.m. eastern time. The trip will cover 7 states and 3 time zones and will be filled with book tapes, Spongebob Squarepants, Fairly Odd Parents, and Erin and I fighting about who’s better looking, her or me.

If OKC is the end of today’s drive, we will see Jamie and Jennie. If not, we will be swimming tonight at another Holiday Inn Express.

Time to pack the Jeep and hook up the trailer.

The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources