Friend, Food, and Family

Friends, food, and family - these things are priorities for me. While not ranked in order of importance, this particular order drives my thinking today.

Last June, as I found myself in the final stages of preparation for the most epic of all motorcycle adventures, I spent some time reflecting on friendship and all that term embodies. If you haven’t read that post, you can find it here.

In those days last summer, I wrote “My hope for every one of my friends and acquaintances is that you would have a friend or two or three or more who are there for you - no matter what.” Today is a “no matter what” day. I’m on my way to New Orleans to celebrate the life of the mom of one of those Band of Brothers I write about so often. I didn’t know this precious lady, but I know something of a life lived well as reflected in stories I’ve heard. I feel like I know much of her in the legacy she leaves as represented in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She ran her race well and finished her course. This is worthy of honor.

Steven, Jr. is a part of the Band of Brothers now. He lost a grandmother.

One of those friends calls Anita Hankins Kinchen mom. He, along with his family - who are also in our circle of friends - has suffered loss that I know cuts to the innermost part of his being. So I will do what I believe is appropriate: I will travel from Orlando to New Orleans. I will embrace my friends. I will look into their eyes. I will say little, because love, care, and concern are sometimes expressed best in physical presence and a simple, gentle touch.

So, in one of the busiest weeks of my year, I will pause. Selah. I will travel to encourage a friend. Because I do indeed have a friend or two or three or more... and I will be there for my friend - no matter what.

While in New Orleans, I will eat. Because along with friends and family, there is food. I have been privileged to travel to all 50 of our United States. We have visited England, France, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Africa, India, Thailand, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Israel, Brazil, Mexico, El Salvador, and many places in the Caribbean. Yet I remain convinced the best food in the world... yes, in the entire world... is found in New Orleans. I acknowledge my bias. New Orleans is home for both Annette and me. But I don’t miss meals when I travel. I’ve eaten in all of the many places we’ve visited, and I still consider New Orleans cuisine the best. So while I’m “home”, I’ll eat. I’m traveling early, so breakfast is in order. I’ve chosen to enjoy beignets at the world-famous Cafe du Monde. For lunch and dinner, I’ll let friends choose the establishment. Perhaps I’ll have a shrimp or roast beef poboy. Dinner will be seafood, for sure - all in the company of friends. And then I’ll travel home, where family will be awaiting my return from this 18-hour adventure.

This is a big family week. Jaimee, Travis, and Ruthie are coming to Orlando for Easter. We have a busy weekend planned: a crawfish boil on Friday, Dear Evan Hansen for most on Friday evening while Travis and I take in a Red Sox game with Ruth. We’ll squeeze a couple of visits to Disney into our time together, and might even include a trek to the Brevard Zoo. And we’ll worship together on Resurrection weekend. I can’t wait. But there’s more about family on my mind today.

Yesterday we were invited by Lindsey and Bryan to a 4D ultrasound. This miracle of technology allowed to see granddaughter number 3, Daisy Lee Guillot. Seeing images of this precious baby being formed together by our God in the body of our own baby girl was awe-inspiring and gratitude-generating. Daisy Lee’s due date is June 12. The due date for Tess is August 3. What a summer of rejoicing this will be!

Nearing the end of the ultrasound experience, the technician completed the customary measuring of Daisy Lee and announced that we might expect a delivery date as early May 29th. Lindsey contributed that it would be sweet if Daisy would be another 27. Lindsey's birthday is July 27. Lorelai’s birthday is November 27. Could it be? Could Daisy actually be born on May 27?

This blog post is about adventures on what we call the Road Less Traveled. Most often the subject is motorcycle adventures. At times, the subject is family, family travel, friendship, and spirituality. These subjects are woven deeply into the fabric of our lives - so the subjects are often intertwined. Such is the case here.

I depart on the 2019 motorcycle adventure one month and one day from today. The trip has been scheduled and routed to insure I am home in time to share in the joy of Daisy Lee’s debut. Sixteen days. I’ll be home sixteen days prior to the anticipated due date. This was what I thought. Until yesterday. I’m scheduled to be home on the 26th or the 27th. But what if Daisy, like her mom and sister, is a 27?

There is drama but no dilemma. I planned this trip to always be with one day’s ride of home. If labor appears imminent - I’m riding south in a hurry. Family trumps everything except Jesus for Annette and me. If Daisy Lee is coming, Papa is coming... home.

I like drama. It adds to the depth of the story and creates adventure within the adventure. Let’s see how this all plays out on The Road Less Traveled.