Shee-cah-go

You absolutely never know
what will happen when you go
on a road-trip with people you love.
I’ve learned over the years
to take time to think
of upcoming journeys
because they can be impactful.
It’s those little things
that can make such a big difference.
It’s the things said when hearts
are open and more at rest
and that flow in everyday moments.
You’d think that agenda
and pushing your words out there
would be the way to change.
But I’ve found that when
we are free of anxieties and agenda,
when we are yielded to God
and in His rest and share freely
in the loving presence of others,
without hurry or thinking too far ahead,
that there is this sweet flow of words
that brings life to each other.

I loved every minute
with two friends today.
I loved as they expressed
and encouraged,
the conversation that flowed naturally
and the laughter and joy.
Just being together
and listening.
Loving and supporting.
Not having to state opinions.
No judgement.
No critical attitudes
in any underlying currents.
Hearts free of being fake
by thinking one thing
and pretending to be another.
Just each of us real
both inside and out.
Those relationships are
truly refreshing.

Up early to pick up one friend.
Already at the door and waiting.
That fun moment when it all begins.
Head down road and gather signs.
Chatting already begun
to the point where it’s hard to remember
even arriving to pick up
second friend.
Her camouflage luggage
was interesting and fun.

It was cloudy.
But we all love journeys with these
because they are easy on the eyes.
And that is really important
to one of my friends.
And to me too because
I can see her eyes.
Stop at a castle in the middle
of nowhere, and fill up tank.
Snacks and coffee.
Figs and olives.
Cheetos and Krispy Kreme.
Chewy Spree and protein cookies.
Total health nuts are we.
Sneaking payment for goodies
and swipe card through
with reflexes like a ninja.
Try hard as one might,
she couldn’t keep the other
from getting one on her
and goodies were paid.
It was marvelous.
I, on the other hand,
know better than to fight
with another oldest child.
Oh how fun to watch!

I drove and it was great
to be behind the wheel.
One of my fave things
to head to airports.
Road trips are great for connection.
It’s just the open road,
the movement forward,
nowhere else to go except to sit
and be together.
Quality time is always had.
Maybe that’s why I like it so much.

My expert GPS navigator
sat beside me and did her expert thing.
I love how helpful she is
and always has been.
She just sees the need and meets it.
Definitely has a God-given gift.

Friend in back chatting excitedly.
Loved every bit of the conversation.
Girls know how to share
and to listen and to respond
and these two know
how to truly do heart-care!

Passing large creepy building
that sold nothing but fireworks.
Surmise that these places are actually
a front for something else.
Who sells fireworks from large buildings
all year?

Apple slices offered and friend
reluctantly takes a slice.
I try really hard to get her
to eat something healthy.
One slice, I’ll take what I can get.
It’s the small triumphs.

Smell of Gary, Indiana was had.
Who knew you can tell a city
by the smell from the highway?
Well, one friend can!

Passing mile upon mile.
Heading west and into Chicago.
I love the skyline.
I love the big-city traffic.
I love the interchanges
and lane changes
and the challenge of all that.
Going to O’hare fulfills all that.

We arrive and circle the airport
and find economy parking
and a space at Lot E. E-4
Numbers mean so much on this trip.
Numbers of confirmation everywhere.
Speaking to certain hearts
for their love, guidance and welfare.
Shuttle bus and go up to raised deck.
Big city feel already
and shuttle train yet to begin.
Get on board at front
and watch as it moves us forward
on the winding track.
Try to take video of friends
who track me as soon as I do.
Laugh as they have conversation
while I record about my intrusions
of video. But I love every minute
that I recorded.

Several stops to drop off
and pick up travelers.
Ours is destination 1.
The fun of figuring out stops
and gates and concourses.
The kiosks to check in
and the label printed.
Helping others navigate their way,
weighing luggage and the drop-off.
Hate the hug goodbye.
Wishing we could go though
check-point with her
and staying until we saw her no more.

Then it was down to two.
And the return home.
And adventure in reverse.
Back along corridor,
escalator down to train.
Finding fun spot to watch tracks.
Spot piles of pallets.
Conversation about Japanese
and how other cultures
so used to riding trains
that they aren’t jolted around
like we are on-board.
Asians are so cute
and amazed to see so many
at this international airport.

Off and onto shuttle bus
and it’s so cold!
a storm on its way and hope
to get to the car before it arrives.
Moment into car and raindrops
begin to fall.
Grateful for good timing.
Me, so grateful
for this navigating friend!
She finds a great native-Chicago
Mexican restaurant, Mariachi’s
and we make our way there.
Delighted to see,
hole in the wall restaurant
and we rush in from the rain
to the cutest little place
and the smells inside made us
ever so more hungry.
I love that my friend
loves Mexican food!
Both her & I can navigate
a Mexican menu like pro’s.
Her even more so than me!
I love her name
being a Mexican one and I,
having a mother born there....
makes me feel that between
both of us,
we can almost be full Mexican.
I laugh and enjoy the thought.
We shared that aloud to the sweet
young lady behind the counter.
I’m not sure she was as amused
at the idea as I was.

Pozole on the menu?
It was a sign for sure!
And on this cold, wet day,
seemed like a warm, delicious choice.
Taco’s to share and guacamole,
two spoons for the big bowl of soup.
Pineapple jaritos.
Everything was oh-so-good!!
Toppings for pozole were fresh
with cabbage and radish sliced
and dry chilies to crunch in hand
and sprinkle.
So proud of my friend
who knew just what to do.
And the prayer together
and the enjoying good food.
Talking together and enjoying
being here in Chicago neighborhood.
Thinking that if this place
was nearby our home,
we’d never cook again.
Or we’d try and make all this
at home ourselves.

Back on the troll-less Highway,
(Troll-less is my way of saying no-tolls)
and my guide so valuable to me,
heading back east
and enjoying view of city
where tops of tall high-rises
are obscured by single, long cloud
making them all look at same height.
Except the sears tower - portion
at the top peeking out.
Pretty cool!
Traffic jam notice given
but all I heard was twelve extra minutes
with my friend. And that,
is a big reason to smile.
Journey off road to find bathroom.
Found large church letting out
and a pastor Meeks
with his very own road named after him.
Another stop found bathroom
and much needed water to drink.
Then the rest of our journey
was relaxing and thankful
for moments where quiet is welcome
and never a need to fill.
Where feet up and enjoy
this time between there and home.
Where friend can relax
and own thoughts can be had.
Comfortable times like these
just humming and singing quietly.
Knowing that a bad car stereo
is really a gift from God
to enjoy more of Him
and less distraction.
And when journey ends,
and friend is dropped off,
hugs and grateful hearts
and the desire for sweet rest
for my friend.

Thanks ladies for the beautiful day
together.
Together is a beautiful word.
Blessings and love to you both.