Part I: The Trek out WEST

January 7, 2011

Early in 2010, my cousin Lynn contacted me about joining her in a trip out West to Seattle, Washington to begin July 19th. I loved the opportunity, but didn't want to be away from Mom or Fran for too long since I am usually only home for three months in the summer. After asking Lynn to allow my mother to join us on the trip, and getting her full approval, it was all set. Mom and I would join Lynn on a cross country tour.

One of the many places we needed to be sure to stop was Mt. Rushmore to see the presidents. Mom's dream was to one day see this. Dad had often talked about it too, but sadly, he never took the chance to visit South Dakota where this remarkable carving is located. It was really cute to call Mom from Kuwait one day and say "Hey Mom. You and I are going out west this summer!" Mom's reply was the usual shockingly excited "Ohhhhh" followed with "well if the doctor says I am okay to go, I guess I'll go." I was a little surprised that she mentioned a doctor because that was about as far from my thinking as anything. Mom is always healthy. Walking 4 1/2 miles a day and actually running circles around all of us, she was the energizer bunny of our family.

July 19, 2010: Mom and I are taken to the Dubois Regional Airport by Fran and his brother Louie so that we can board the plane for Cleveland where Lynn is going to pick us up to begin our trip out West. After arriving in Cleveland, we first stopped at the Boston Market for breakfast. Before long, we loaded up or rearranged the back of Lynn's car to begin our trek out West. And what a trip it turned out to be!!!

We drove to Elkhart, Indiana the first day. The weather was gorgeous. Mom sat in the back seat but in the middle so she could see clearly out of the front window. Lynn drove most of the way every day as she was more comfortable driving than in riding. I asked Mom if she wanted to sit in the front for awhile but she preferred her spot in the back. Writing this blog about six months later is difficult because I cannot recollect all the details as I would have if I had kept a daily journal which is customary for me when traveling. In retrospect, I wish I had done so especially now that Mom has passed away so soon after our trip. How was I to know?