the Next Right Step
JOY Ride to Sedona (part 2): The Next Right Step
The arrival at my sister’s was only about three hours earlier than if I had arrived by car, following my original (flawed) itinerary. The journey from Memphis to Fort Worth was much less exciting than my previous day. Luckily, my sister and I both enjoy solitude. She went for her nap and I stayed by the pool letting the sun and the Texas heat bake out any anxiety left in my body. The sweat felt cleansing as my body released and let go. And by my side was her dog, Wally. Wally is love, personified. (Is that the right word if it’s an animal?) He got in the pool with me. Jumped up on the lounge chair so we could share some space. And just snuggled in close when I needed comfort.
As I sat, I realized I really was okay that my car and my belongings were gone. It felt strange. The anxiety in my body had only been about safety and not feeling safe in Memphis. I had to double and triple check, but truly I was alright. I was tired, shaken. But overall okay. This yoga and meditation stuff was actually working! I realized I could pivot and keep going. This didn’t have to be the end of my journey. I texted our dear Danny Baker (one of our regulars who we text funny messages and magical moments from time to time) and let him know my trip wasn’t having quite the same magic as his latest trip. His reply really pushed me to keep going. “What’s next? Rent a convertible? Fly to AZ? Buy a new trip wardrobe? Don’t let this hiccup get you down. One day you will look back on this and laugh! The start of a GREAT ADVENTURE ❤️” It really was all about perspective. That one text opened my mind and heart to simply see what wanted to come next. (Side note: You never know the impact you have on someone. Never be afraid to say the thing!)
It was Sunday, Father’s Day. Oddly the night my car was stolen, my dad and stepmom were in the ER in New Jersey. They had been there for an experimental treatment for my dad. And something had gone wrong for my stepmom in the process! This family was a little leery about what would happen next. But. in spite of it all, we decided to have an impromptu gathering for Father’s Day. This may be the first one I have been a part of since I was 8 or 9. My siblings all live in Texas in the same block as my dad. I am the outlier. But for me to be there felt important. Spending time with my dad right now is a priority. So he gathered us around, in new-dad fashion and held court. Telling us of his adventures. (It’s interesting to see his changes. He went from being quiet, introverted to knowing no strangers and loving the spotlight.) And of course, the rule of 3 for family peril… my brother got stung between the eyes by a wasp. Somehow the circle felt complete while giving us all a good laugh and fun text thread for a few days. I know it meant a lot that we were simply together in this exact moment in time.
Monday, my dad and I got to have lunch at an old diner. A place he used to go with his best friends from college. He tries hard to make friends with the waiter. But the young man isn’t sure what to make of this very chatty man. So we talk. First of the car and what are my plans. Who knows? I say. He offers his car so I can finish my journey and enjoy my time. I decide I want to ask my dad the hard questions while he can still share the answers. “Are you afraid?” His reply makes me tear up even today. (I am paraphrasing here…) “No, I had a pity party for a while. Then I realized just like my hearing aids, I can use this to my advantage. ‘What’s that- I can’t hear you? What’s that- I don’t remember that?’ I just figure time is short and people are interesting if you give them a chance. Why not leave things and people better than when you found them?” It was the most thoughtful answer I could imagine. We went on chatting about when I get to take his keys away and how I’ve been nominated to do so since I live the farthest away. He got a good chuckle and said we’ll know it’s time when he gets in a wreck! It was one of my favorite conversations with my dad. One we might not have had if I had hopped in my car and hit the road as planned. Betty in her disappearance gave me the gift of time.
When I get to my sister's, the calls start coming from the Sheriff’s office and insurance. They tell me they will locate the car, but I won’t want it back. They’ve seen her in a few CCTV cameras and a gas station camera being used as a getaway car when the gentlemen stole another car the next day. My insurance tells me they wait 30 days to claim a total theft and I can have a rental car for up to 50 days if needed. So, I resign myself to the understanding my car is gone and it’s time to clear up my next steps. Maybe I’ll take my dad’s car to Arizona. Since he has a large, nice car I really wasn’t sure. My sister has the same car so we decided I’d better drive it to be sure I know what I am doing. As we start to pull down the driveway to go shopping (what better time to get new clothes!) the Memphis PD calls. The officer is SO excited, “We found your car! And it’s in great shape. But because they used your car to steal three other cars, we have to keep it for fingerprinting.”
Honestly, I am not sure how I felt about this news. Do I want a new car that isn’t tainted by a hit and run and multiple vehicle thefts to follow? Do I take Betty back knowing she’s been through hell and is still up and running? I can’t tell how I feel in this moment. So we do what sisters do best and go shopping.
I had already decided this trip was one to try on different versions of me. Who do I want to be when I grow up? Why not begin with clothes? I let my sister and the sales ladies pick out everything. Even if I didn’t think it was me, I tried it on. Two hours later I had a mound of clothes and I loved them all. The ladies at the store said they had fun with us, so we shared the story of my adventure and they gave me the employee discount. I was able get the one dress I loved but couldn't justify. Once again, people truly are kind.
Later that night I decided I needed to move along. My sister and her husband most likely wanted their home and space back. And I needed to make a decision. I called the insurance agent and she said I could pick my car up in Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Why not? Time for the next right step. I booked a flight for the morning and journeyed on. Somehow, I arrived in Sedona at the exact day and hour I would have, had I driven. Of course I did! This was the start of the magical journey that allowed me to find my way back home.
(More Sedona adventures coming next month! Betty’s adventure continues…)
