Across the Mississippi... ZOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!

Hello All...

We are continuing our journey, getting closer to California and further from the east coast every day. We spent some time in Boston Heights, Ohio this morning, did a little nature walk with the dog; it was good for all three of us. We went to Brandywine Water Falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park...very pretty and peaceful.



We adjusted our route today, we headed more southerly, leaving I-80, taking I-71 south and getting on I-70 west. I was driving from our start time until about 5pm today. I have been doing much of the driving last few days, but Patrick (my son) asked to take wheel back and I became passenger for the remainder of today. It took away my task and left me with time to ponder, look at maps and pet dog from time to time. As we approached Indianapolis, I began to think about the only other time I was on that road. It was about 10 months ago with Karen at my side. We were headed for treatment (a new protocol for her throat cancer) and it was to be the beginning of a very difficult last 5 months in Karen's life. I felt very sad as I reflected on that journey and how hard it was for Karen to endure those times. She was very brave and chased after all her chances for survival with great zeal. As I thought, I cried and just sat as my son was playing some Raggae music which is also music that Karen would have loved.
Parallel worlds but criss crossing just the same; he listening to his music and I experiencing my sadness but his music influencing me and he also taking notice of my sadness and acknowledging it.
These thoughts today as the other unsuspecting thoughts I have described over the last few days have sort of surprised me; these were not things I had thought of or planned to even think about as I traveled across the country. Once again I am shown to embrace life, the whole entire ball of wax...it is a beautiful journey; there is so much more than just the goal or goals we strive for...there is one "hell of a ride" to be had!!!

Today we have traveled from Ohio to Columbia, Missouri, about 675 miles. We gain an hour, so we used it to travel a little bit more. Bosley, the dog is just great...most times I/we forget he in in the back seat. Tomorrow we will pass the half way point. We are planning on heading along I-70 at least to Denver and probably head south from there.

Tomorrow, or actually today at this late hour, it is my birthday. I am glad to be spending it on the road with my son. This is really a very special time for me to experience with him; my birthday is secondary in my mind to what is happening over all here. Not sure what we will do to celebrate, maybe get some rich dessert somewhere and Patrick can practice his singing voice with a few lines of Happy Birthday... I am sure he will love that.

I close or today and wish you all peace, love and harmony on your life paths....

Patrick J. "the old(er) one"