Lost in Unfamiliar Territory

It had to happen.

A day with a few meltdowns of epic proportions.

We couldn't go merrily along in our philosophical haze, riding high on the mysterious, glorious wave of belief...without one day to rattle our cages...right?

Today...was that very day.

Yesterday was an emotional one, for the writer. I cannot attest to the emotional state of the other H Family teammates...but the writer was in some deep water yesterday. From the moment the first song was sung at our gathering, I basically sobbed through every touching lyric. However, I wasn't freaked out...just counting the cost of some of the people and things that will remain here at The Old Place.

Today however...today, was different.

There was a critical eye appointment for Bub (2). And, though it was against the author's better judgement, I did painfully consent to taking along on the 3 hour round-trip drive; The Bug (6), Brownie (4) and Potato (4) as well.

The eye appointment required 3 fittings, all of which were dramatic thrashing episodes with Bub. Much to the author's appreciation, the lovely professionals who cared for us today take everything in cheery stride. After 2.5 hours we departed...worn slick and famished.

After a charming meal with the Matriarch of the family, we once again hit the road.

Just a short time into the drive, while we were passing very slowly through a most congested area, Potato began to moan of her immediate requirement of some facilities. Being the intrepid travelers we are...I most certainly would have allowed the child the opportunity to practice the "squat" stance, which will be often required in the coming year, on any green areas along the thoroughfare. However, there was only concrete to be seen for miles and miles.

An immediate exit left us in unfamiliar territory, combing the city streets for a lavatory. As none were forthcoming, we careened into a bakery and pleaded with the staff to allow us to use the "NOT FOR PUBLIC USE" toilet. Believe you me, I was prepared to take whatever measures were necessary to secure the use of their water closet!

Unfortunately, the exit we had taken did not have an on-ramp upon our return. This frustrated the driver to no end. However, I felt confident that I could drive just a bit until I was able to locate another on ramp.

I was mistaken.

Let the author preface this by saying that I am rarely directionally challenged and feel quite confident when I have to "feel" my way along an unknown path...today however, was a disaster.

After thrice receiving directions, each time from parties who looked at the driver as though I was from outer space when asking for directions back to the interstate as it was apparently SOOOOO obvious...I COULD NOT FIND THE INTERSTATE!

Three times I stopped. Three times I left with an air of confidence that it was going to be easy to find "now." Finally I called Dad and began crumble...no, shatter...into a thousand tiny little pieces. I could not find my way out of a paper bag! The further I drove, the less confident I felt and after 35 minutes of being lost, I totally freaked out.

My mind started spinning with the awareness that EVERYDAY in The New Place I'm not going to know where I am. NOTHING will be familiar. Today the roadsigns were in English and I couldn't get it together...in 9 days they'll be in a language I struggle to say my name in...let along read signs to find my way home!

Now let me tell you...that's a panic that can envelop you quickly.

As I'm not prone to panic attacks, this was such an unfamiliar response to a stupid problem...I was only turned around in a city just 50 minutes from home...but I felt like it was such a terrible precursor to the inadequacy I would feel navigating our precious young around the streets in The New Place.

I finally had the presence of mind to reconsider my situation.

Furthermore, I determined that whatever lies ahead of us...we've been equipped to handle...and I surrendered once again to the peace that passes all understanding.

It's going to be a wild ride folks...and we're still waiting in line...

Will I be able to hold my hands up when it all rushes manically on like the roller coasters I used to ride?

I can hear the clicking of the climbing cars we're sitting in...now is not the time to panic.