We’re often admonished to “live in the moment,” which is good advice, but anticipation of an upcoming event can brighten dull days. September 12th through the 14th, Ken and I will accompany Lisa and her motorcycle riding friends to Memphis, Tennessee. The group is delivering their donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an awesome place. My husband, who ‘moonlighted’ as a semi driver when he was a cop, will drive our pick-up and pull their trailer. The van will carry snacks for rest stops and be available to haul a motorcycle if anyone has a problem. We look forward to sharing an adventure with our daughter and seeing the people we met during a similar sojourn last year.
As the trip approaches, our time is divided between before and after. We’ll check our suitcases and packing lists to be sure we have the needed clothes and personal items. Ken will get the truck serviced. I’ll schedule a haircut and any other necessary appointments. Medications must be monitored and any needed refills obtained.
As we prepare, Ken and I will reminisce about our biking days when we were teenagers. At that time, riders didn’t need training or a special license. He bought a motorcycle, practiced a bit and stopped by our farmhouse to take me for a ride. It was a surprise when my strict mother said, “I guess it’s alright.” Before she had a chance to change her mind, I tied a scarf over my hair and climbed on behind him grabbing the edges of the big seat with both hands. He pulled down his black cap with the white bill and we roared off on his Indian for the first of many rides we took during that summer of ’53.
What are you anticipating?