The sun beats down hot and heavy, as grass that has overstepped its boundaries is mowed into place. Two weeks on the road and everything has become leggy and is stretching out for more territory. For two weeks Doc and I drove from Montgomery, AL to New York City, trying to see as many people as we could along the way. Some were family and others were dear friends from the past, now transplanted in new territory. Many were online friends who I loved introducing to Doc as we met in real life.
Elizabeth Marshall, Me and Shelly Miller
Doc and Me
Doc and his Daughter
Doc and his lobster
A few of the Writers from Outside the City Gates Tammy Hendricksmeyer, Nacole Simmons, Paula Gamble, Lindsey Hartz, and Amy Breitmann The trip was long and beautiful, stressful, then peaceful; and, I would jump into the car with Doc tomorrow if we could go again.
For two weeks we were together 24/7; and, I can tell you there were a couple of times our patience with each other was tested; and we didn’t always pass with flying color! But, then apologies were exchanged and tender moments found. The tears in the fabric of our peaceful relationship was once again mended. How many times have we mended the fabric of our marriage and kept going?
Two weeks together in a car, when all the conversation that is possible has happened and you become comfortable in the quiet – just knowing he is there is enough. Occasionally, while listening to a local NPR station, one of us would burst out laughing as the other tried to listen to the rest of the story – then, we would talk about, it sharing our different points of view.
Marriage is like the practice of medicine, it is something you must continue to practice and learn about to make it good.
14 days, 8 destinations, 26+ hugged necks, and 2,600 miles later and the “online friends in real life” tour has come to an end. Because of the miles together my marriage is sweeter, and because of the effort others made to meet us in community for dinner or open a room to us, our relationships are closer, then I hope we can make this same trip again next year, but only time will tell.
Tell me about your summer trips this year in the comments below.
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Love this and you! The time spent mending a tear is always valuable.
Thank you Mary! You’re the best!
Sounds like a great time!
Thanks for sharing your story and your pic’s! I see several faces and names I recognize from the blogoshpere.
Blessings to you!
Thank you for stopping by Joe! So nice to meet you!
practice indeed! well said.
Rick and I will have much opportunity as we invest our lives, side by side in Malawi
You are Amazing Firefly! I am looking forward to hearing all of your stories from Malawi.
Where is the I flippin love this button? 😉
I love you, Diane.
Aww, thank you sweet Nacole!
I LOVE a good road trip. Trapped together in a car, my husband and I, too, have enjoyed some of the most wonderful conversations. And together exploring things for the first time. There is something just magical about it, indeed. Thank you for linking at Unforced Rhythms.
Thank you for opening your post to us, Beth.
What a great idea to go visit online friends! My husband and I drove close to that many miles on our honeymoon. We had an interesting time to say the least, but it was very rich for us as well. Someday I too hope to visit friends I’ve made on Facebook, though perhaps we’d use Amtrak to get there. Blessings on you.
Katie, I know everyone will welcome you in and love their time with you.
What an amazing trip! What a sweet husband to go along with you meeting so many beautiful online friends!
Elizabeth, Doc was the best! I couldn’t ask for a better travel partner.
Thank YOU! I love this. My take away is …
Mending and tending the fabric of marriage. The work is in the thread.
Yes, I love that Sonya, “The work is in the thread.” It is in the small things that big things are accomplished!
I absolutely love meeting online friends. Just today I got to meet one while in town visiting my dad. And I also agree with you – it takes a lot of practice to make marriage work.
Jen, isn’t it so much fun to meet people in real life? But real life begins with the ones next to us.
Diane!!! I love interacting with you (or lots of times just spying on you) over at (in)couragers. lol
What a fun trip!! Meeting bloggy sisters makes the connection that much stronger and is really a crazy experience. I can’t get my husband to understand how I’ve never personally met some of my BFF’s… maybe I should plan a trip…
Lisa, I love getting to know yOU! You come on and spy and time and make sure to say hi! LoL!
What an blessed trip – meeting so many wonderful women – and all that one-on-one time – you describe the beautiful endurance of marriage so perfectly!
Only wish you had been on the route! How are you my friend?