Turns out "welding" looks an awful lot like "wedding" when you're driving by at 45 miles per hour and are fairly drooling over an engagement ring you've been told is coming, but has not yet made an actual appearance. Anyhow, I'm guessing Sexton Welding Supply, Inc has a flourishing business in its own right, despite lacking the latest in bridal finery.
But enough about that... (for now anyway). Everything with the tour is going remarkably well. We're more than 2/3 of the way through and I honestly didn't think it would take this long for me to actually post a blog entry, but we've been scheduling and rescheduling interviews, running Tailgate parties, encouraging donations, explaining our goals and missions, checking in and out of hotels and doing a heck of a lot of driving. We've definitely had a moment or two when we've looked at each other and gone "why did we want to do this again??" (Dear Reporter who called us at 3:30 AM thinking the event started at 4:30 AM instead of 9:30 AM, I am still bitter and I do not like you very much. Plus, I would like to buy you an appointment calendar. Hugs! Love, Meag)
These rare moments aside, this has been such an incredible experience. We've met so many families around the nation that display tremendous strength, compassion, good humor and courage, beyond what I could personally imagine under similar circumstances. Every day brings new experiences that are rewarding and fun. Best of all, I get to do this with my best friend in the entire world. (*cue sappy music*) And I apparently won some sort of relationship lottery since he not only makes me laugh and still makes my heart beat fast... but he irons my clothes for me too! How great is that?!
With just two and a half weeks left to go, we're excited to spend the next few weeks winding our way up the East Coast to New York City, but I'm sure we'll also feel more than a bit sad to bring the tour to an end. I try to look on the positive side of things, though and confess I will be happy to sleep under sheets that aren't imprinted with the "Marriott" or "Holiday Inn Express" logos. Also, I look forward to cooking dinner in our own home, taking our dog for a walk, getting the chance to exercise and being able to recall what city we were in three days ago.
And, y'all, maybe in the next few months I'll also be seeking out the Ft. Lauderdale "Wedding" Supply store. (But the one with actual dresses instead of blow torches...) Stay tuned!
