Our kids logged fifteen thousand miles to be with us last week. One drove alone from Chicago, another flew from Denver, our daughter and her boyfriend came three times from New Jersey and our son and his wife took a red eye from LA. Flying is not as cushy as it once was. Gone are the days when you had a choice of two entrees and three carry ons. These days you are lucky to get ice in your water, and enough room for your knees. 

All of them have GPS and apps that kept them up to date on arrival times and traffic snarls. But driving is driving and for now at least you have to keep your eyes on the road. 

The solo motorist kept me posted.

"Entering Ohio!!" made me breathe deeply with gratitude. 

"Layover in Charlotte." Woot woot! They were headed this way.  It felt like a miracle that they kept it up until they dragged their luggage through the door. 

There was an epic trip in Odhner history when one of our kids refused to keep going. After the third puddle jump from Las Vegas to California, and a crowded bus ride to the parking lot, our four year old refused to take another step. It was midnight and we were all exhausted but leaving her on the sidewalk was unacceptable. John scooped her flailing body up in his arms, and carried her to the car howling. It was not what she wanted at the time but in retrospect I think she was relieved that her temporary feelings got trumped. 

Sometimes I want to stop before I arrive at my destination. Marriage is a long haul, and my stamina is not always sufficient for the task. Generosity is a great idea in theory, but when it starts to involve sacrifice, I peter out. 

I am thankful that when I least deserve it, someone shows up to carry me.