Amy's America

I’m spending Thanksgiving in Florida with my older brother Steve and his family. (Nick flew to London to be with Alivia and her family.) Unfortunately, my dad and Maggie had to go to Massachusetts for a family emergency, so they can’t join us, but are certainly here in spirit – as are all our family and friends. Day 77 was spent getting ready for Thanksgiving (Day 78): shopping (including buying a TV over the phone from my other brother, Jake – our own version of Black Friday), baking, doing holiday crafts and generally playing catch-up with Steve, Kelli and the boys. It’s so nice to have so many homes that I feel so comfortable in! It’s just one of the many, many things I am so very thankful for…let me share a few more:

• The most supportive, loving family and friends on earth. The fact that I can travel completely around the country and the majority of the time be welcomed into people’s homes is incredible. I am so blessed. Thank you all.
• Having my own home that can put a roof over the heads of my family and friends whenever they need it (even when I’m not there). I may not love my house but I know how lucky I am to have it and how much it has helped others.
• This incredible opportunity to explore our beautiful country. I never dreamt I’d have the chance to do this, and still can’t believe it. And I’m also thankful for the courage and confidence to do it alone. I know that comes not only from all of my parents, but my son, too.
• My girlfriends who’ve taken parts of this physical trip with me, but practically all of the emotional journey, by phone, text and e-mail. Thank you for being with me through all the crazy highs and tragic lows, understanding me as I blubber through the tears, reminding me where home is and what’s really important. And for pointing out that the man I thought was Rhett is really Ashley and it’s time to move on. (I’m trying – honestly.)
• All my parents for supporting me and (deep down) understanding my need to go on this journey, even if they don’t always agree with every aspect of it, and worry every mile I drive.
• My three fabulous god-daughters, all my nephews, little cousins and friends’ children – all the little ones who make each day an adventure when seen through their eyes! And that we’ll soon have more loved ones, thanks to several of my family and friends who are expecting babies this coming year. They are miracles to be cherished. I can’t wait!
• I am most thankful every single day that God knew exactly what I needed nearly 20 years ago when he gave me smiley Nicholas George. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. And every day he makes me smile, challenges me and encourages me to push myself. I’m so proud of the man you’re becoming, Nicko, and love you with all my heart.

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Can I just say how nice it was to be home? It was a quick trip, with lots on the agenda, so I didn’t get to see everyone, do anything around the house or just chill at home, but it was great anyway. It also confirmed that it is indeed time to wrap this adventure up.

Day 74 was the first day of the final leg of the trip. I flew back to Atlanta to join back up with Holly (my Volvo) and Aidan (my GPS), and we high-tailed it out of Atlanta as fast as we could. Didn’t want any negative vibes to get me off on the wrong foot (wheel?)! Soon I was in beautiful Alabama – have to stop and spend some real time there someday – and just a few hours later was entering Florida, the sunshine state. Of course, by then the sky was dark and only the full moon was shining but hopefully I’ll see some sun over the next few days. (Wish I could bottle it and bring it back up north – talk about a fabulous Christmas present!)

I had a lot of thinking time between the plane and Pensacola, Florida. And there was an article in Delta’s Sky magazine that provided additional food for thought. Deepak Chopra and Russell Simmons discussed happiness as the key too life. I agree with much of what they said, but what really stuck with me was Deepak quoting someone else:

• The most important time in life is now.
• The most important person is the one you’re with right now.
• The most important way to create the future is to act with awareness right now.

Put that together with the ‘pay it forward’ notion and doing good unto others as you’d have done unto you, and I think you have the recipe for being happy. It certainly put me in the right frame of mind.

One of the best things about this last part is that virtually every stop is to see friends or family and catch up with people I haven’t seen in way too long. I know it will make the next couple of weeks fly by. In the case of this first stop, it’s to catch up with someone I’ve never spoken to: Dan, a friend of Delanie’s. She knew I was heading south after Atlanta, and needed a guaranteed better stop after the disappointment of Atlanta. Dan is a fellow traveler and lives by the water in Pensacola – stop there and get back on track. Why not?

A free spirit, Dan goes where the wind blows him. And usually alone, so he wasn’t the least surprised by my solo journey. His house has reminders of his travels everywhere – framed currency from around the world, shells collected from numerous beaches, world music CDs playing. It was a relaxing evening, complete with a walk on the beach (the water now is still warmer than the Cape in August). Delanie was right – a good way to start the end of the trip.

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