On being left behind

When I worked I’d travel and spend a lot of time in the office. Bob and I weren’t constantly together. We had stuff we needed to do and we did it. Now Bob has stuff he needs to do and he does it. Sometimes I get left behind. I’m totally ok with this. We sometimes have to break our co-dependence. As my sister Marty said we are like an old retired couple, it just happened a lot earlier than planned.  I secretly revel in my independence.  I have my routine, my friends and my connections via the web. I reach out daily to friends and colleagues looking for work or just checking in. I would love to have gone on this latest trip with Bob but he didn’t take me for a several reasons. First, he felt the urge to drive across the country instead of fly and that would be too hard for me – maybe, maybe not. Second, he didn’t know what he was getting into on the handicap side. Third, I would slow him down.  We had no way of knowing how much i would slow him down but to extend a 1300 mile trip was not an option.  I believe I can do these things. Yes, I’m a little slower. Yes, I need some support. But no, I don’t like being left out.  I think it is more that I want the option of being asked than really wanting to sit in cargo van for 2 days. My assistant Katherine and I spent last week prepping the van for Bob’s trip. We had a blast making sure he had the perfect cooler that fit between the seats, and was easily accessible, the perfect trail mix, beef and turkey jerky, waters, and P.B. and J’s. (Translation:  peanut butter and jelly sandwiches). 

I’ve always been a curious person. I want to see and experience more of what life has to offer. I love being in this world and all it brings. I am confident that Bob will document the trip so well that it will be the equivalent of having been there. Still, I would like to have had the option to say “no thanks” you go.

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