Photo Credit: Print Media Center
It was the late
1970’s as I sat in the backseat of my grandparents Yellow Cadillac. Ten years
old and thin as a rail; my legs stuck to the leather seats as I tried to scooch
up to peek over my grandfather’s shoulders. Finally free, my knees slammed into
the back of the driver’s seat. “How long will it take us to get there?”
My
grandfather unfolded his paper road map and had it spread across the dashboard.
“A few days,” he said. Old Spice aftershave tickled my nose as I settled in for
the journey.
We were on
our way to California, by car, with a road map to guide us. No Siri, no Alexa,
no old school TomTom navigational system to lead us to our destination. Traveling
with my grandparents was always the highlight of my summer vacations. Times
change, our destination may change, but stops along the way build our character
and become a part of our history.
It’s up to
you to decide how you want to move forward with your life. Below is a thought-provoking
poem.
Decide
So, do it. Decide.
Is this the live
You want to live?
Is this the person
You want to love?
Is this the best you can be?
Can you be stronger?
Kinder? More compassionate?
Decide.
Breathe in.
Breathe out
And decide.
-Meredith
Grey
Take time
everyday to create a memory, it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Share a
laugh with a friend, go for a walk with your child, stroll down memory lane
with a relative. Decide that you will be the best possible you.
The summer
of 1982 I sat in the driver’s seat of my grandparents dark Blue Cadillac. The
air conditioner was blowing on my legs to keep them from sticking to the warmth
of the leather seats. My grandmother was calm and patient as I practiced
driving. I wasn’t ready for an extended road trip, but I was learning.
What is your
backstory? What are some of your happy childhood memories?
