The Road

I took to the road last Thursday, packed up my car and put in 14 hours to Dayton, OH where I caught up with good friend Kevin from UD and crashed on his couch. I decided to stay longer because I just couldn't leave Dayton without spending some quality time with the Benedict family--who I used to babysit my senior year of college. Two years ago I drove through on my way to grad school. The trip was an interesting exercise in reflecting on the experiences, changes and growth that can happen over an intense two years. I am so relieved to find everyone along the map in good health and good spirits. It was crazy to see how much the Benedict boys have grown into young men. Here was my trip 2 years ago: Half-Way There and here are pictures of the boys today. [**explanation** peter got flip flops for camp, and apparently Reef's at a certain size begin putting a bottle opener at the bottom of the shoe. Seriously? Talk about inappropriate. Well, I guess he had other ideas for his bottle opener- such as using it to open coke cans with brother Troy and to demonstrate what happens when you add Mentos to coke :) ]

 After a great catch-up it was off to see Sarah Hampton in Cincinnati. Unfortunately no pictures were taken at the brilliant lunch we had because we were too busy catching up and shopping!! I would have seen her 2 years ago, but at that point Sarah was already in her Peace Corps adventure in Uganda.

Following Cincinnati it was off for a 6.5 hour drive to see lil'Miss Molly in St. Louis. Two years ago, she was my first stop along the way to Boston-- old pictures here -->  First trip. We dined at the same great brunch place we did 2 years ago. It was as good as I remember it being! Molly is one happy lady with a lot to look forward to as she transitions out of the classroom as a teacher for 4 years and into a new role as a counselor/prep coach for kids approaching high school.

But, as all things in life, unforseen, unaccounted for, sporadic events happen. There is so much that can never be planned nor explained. Unfortunately, while driving, I received a phone call that was terrible news. Two dear friends from Fletcher had been in a tragic car accident. This was a young couple, recently engaged (Christmas) and ready to take the next step in their lives in DC. Dave and Laura are the kindest, most sincere and genuine people and I am truly blessed to have many memories with them both. Laura did not survive the accident. This news sent shockwaves to a huge community-- Brown University, her highschool, Harvard where she earned her Masters in International Education and of course Fletcher. My thoughts are with Dave and the families. It has been hard to be away during the funeral services, but it is such a small fraction of what others are feeling in their loss. As one can imagine, it wasn't a good idea to have me out on the road driving the remaining 20+ hours through MO, OK, TX, NM and AZ. Dad, once again earns 'Best Dad Ever Award' for flying in to St. Louis and making the trip with me. We cranked it out in a mere 3 days. Even this was sentimental, as Dad drove with me in the Fall out to Boston. It was nice to have him back in the captain seat. And he got to meet Korey and spend my birthday with me.