Let me just say that the car ride in was less than enjoyable. I packed a good attitude and all, but it was misplaced between the dogs, cat, and kids. I can not believe I was stubborn enough to think I could do this on my own. Let this be a warning for next time the opportunity arises - I WILL NEED HELP, LOTS OF HELP!
That's where Ashley comes into play. Sweet Ashley. She is the greatest among great friends. If this car trip didn't run her off, I don't know what will.
I tell her to be up and at em' before the sun rises, and she was. We load the animals, but the cat's drugs don't take effect. Marty Cat moaned (notice: not just meowed) the first 1 hour and 45 minutes straight. She slightly got use to the car, but would throw in the moan just when the ringing in our ears stopped. The boys yelled, whined, and fought 20 minutes after getting into the car. That continued for the next 36 hours. Merlin started panting. I like to call it panthering for no reason at all, but he was pantering. A movie got jammed in the DVD player. To those who rely on this great feature, you know the kind of disaster that brings. I come up with the brilliant idea of stopping at a Honda Dealership during our next pit stop (kill two birds with one stone kind of thing) Wrong. We show up with our posse of 1 slightly medicated, still moaning cat, 2 kids that have been tied down for 5 hours straight, 3 dogs, and 2 adults. We crammed in that little waiting area INSIDE! I even had to change a poopy diaper on their floor - so embarrassing. Let me tell you, they got our car fixed ASAP! Actually the people could not have been nicer. It was closing time and they fixed it for free. They even helped load the car up with pets and kids when it was time to go. I must write them a thank you note.
WAIT - I forgot to add that I got sick. A migraine took over and sweet Ashley was driving my crazy caravan and pulling over so I could puke. Along with the dog breath, cat litter, and fast food smells of Mike Victor was my lovely half processed Taco Bell. Tell me - would you have gotten out in the middle of Wyoming and headed for the hills???? I know I would have! And that was only the first day!
Ashley, I slightly fear the repayment I owe you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You took care of me and the boys like any family member would have, handing me a fresh bottle of water and wipe when I got back in the car. She bought my children food when I was still out of commission, drove half way, and even offered to buy gas. You're one of a kind. I think you make a fine military wife and friend. You've got a better grasp at this than you think. I hope you have the time of your life visiting your husband. You deserve it. Keep this thought out of your mind while you're relaxing on the beaches: you have to get back the same way you came ;-)
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
5 comments:
That was just a years worth of free birth control. The way I see it, we're even. Really, thank you Ash for taking care of my boys and babysitting my wife on the trip from hell, you're awesome.
Oh poor Jen. I know how stressful it is to be stuck in a car with the kiddos for long but to get sick on top of that. I am sorry you had to endure that. I haven't had the privledge of meeting Ashley but she is an awesome friend! True friends are rare so treasure her!!! Have a great time in TX!!!
I still can't believe you guys made it in 2 days! Amazing! So glad Ash was there to help :)
When I heard the noise from the first phone call I was really glad that Ashley had a ticket to leave from DFW - because I was afraid you all would turn back. You have some great friends. Ashley is a true blessing. The military builds some great friends you will have forever! You all depend on each other...love lots and glad you are here...
I have to say first of all that the first day sounded like a nightmare. I had the privledge of meeting Ashley the day after they arrived in TX, and I have to say, I was amazed at how great she is with the boys! And I'm very excited to have Jen and the boys in town for awhile -- Keith you really need to think about moving to TX in a few years ;)
Post a Comment