Thank you, sweet friend..this made my cry …squeezing my hand! That’s exactly how many conversations ended. ☺️ 😢Thanks for picking up on that, for knowing grief is always there beneath the surface. You sense our beautiful bond, you know me well, my other Joanie! Love you! Appreciate you! 😍🫶❤️
Love boomeranging right back to YOU dearest Joanie. I could feel his your hands squeezing one another, your secret language, just for the two of you. I appreciate YOU, and you splash your heart everywhere you land. Now, that's a getting wet, I'll ready for. Loving care and warm aloha always to the two J's. 💞🤩
My husband and I are road trippers (he does all the driving) and know some of the places you mention. I loved your reference to conversations you have while looking straight ahead.
It was often about our kids… one who over achieved and thought she was entitled to our time and money, one who barely went to class… wasted money on “other things!”How to approach. I was still mommying them and he wanted to cut them off. Thank you for reading, my friend…neat you recognize these routes from snowbirding to Florida! ☺️Hugs! 🤗🤗
The three “tenses” of time should be balanced. Our brains have a memory-retention area & we are allowed to go there; yes, also while living in the present & peeking towards the future. Thanks for this.
Love this, Phil! It’s a good balance I’d say! Especially as we grow older. Didn’t realize I was using all three tenses! Thanks for reading and recognizing my piece had some perspective, some value! 😃Always appreciate your comments, sweet man!
Dear Friend, I am so glad you revisited this story of your summer adventure. How it wound back to a time and place where road tripping with your beloved partner was everything. Talking to Jim along the way. He would be so proud of you.
Once again, this gave me a few tears. Love you. oxox
I’m glad I gave it another try too …brought back memories! And talking to him gives me some brave, some peace. Thank you sweet friend, for saying he’d be proud… gives me teary eyes too! Love you. Have a wonderful 🦃Day gathered together with your dear mum there! 🫶☺️😘
My mom talks to dad too. It is a peace that washes over her. You are doing good. We are planning Thanksgiving and will talk about dogs for four hours. ha ha ha. Oh boy. (just wanted to make you laugh - but seriously!). Sending you much love my dear friend. Stay warm. oxox
Joan, this is a beautiful post that made me tear up. I don't think your essay meandered; I think it is about the memories of traveling with your life partner and now showing how out of necessity, you have adapted to traveling alone via car. Your grief is palpable, but there are so many wonderful memories too.
I'm partial to cats, and these three you shared pictures of are beauties!
I started about travel and intended to tell cat tales 😅…but the Thelma trip came along and I wrote that instead. Going back I just wanted to write about Jim… like my heart vetoed what my brain had in mind! LOL You are so sweet to see it all in me, understand, sweet friend! Love you for that! ❤️😍🫶
Thanks for reading, Liz, and for sharing it! We did too, and now I’ve gotten used to doing on my own. Happy travels if you’re going somewhere for Thanksgiving! ☺️🦃
This was beautiful. Felt I was along for the trip....the literal road and the nostalgic turn made in the town we all either know, or will....Loving Memory. Incredibly moving. Big hugs to you, Joan, and thanks for sharing such a tender journey.
What a nice compliment, Wendy… thank you so much! Had no idea this would touch someone, if you could feel it, it gives me pride and confidence and motivation to keep writing. It’s been eleven years and I think no more sad grief stuff. But it creeps in when we least expect. Happened here and I just went with it. Thank you for reading and getting me! Much love to you! 💕👍🥰Happiest of holiday season too! 🎄🎶
It definitely touched me, Joan, and I am sure it has done and will continue to do the same for other readers. It’s those pieces that we allow to flow onto the page as they will that are some of the most connecting. Your experience is one in which we can all relate in one way or another, and that makes it extra special. Those real moments of remembrance that happen seemingly out of nowhere really do touch the heart and to embrace their coming and share what that looks like makes for a precious connection. I look forward to reading more of your writing! 🤗👓📖💞✨💜
I love driving too, Joan! And I love the backroads.... so much more interesting. I got off the interstate once and found a little bar and grill in Indiana...spotless, obviously where all the locals go, and it was the best cheeseburger ever!! I walked around and took some pictures. It was great!
I've never felt afraid driving alone, though it is more fun with a partner. Life is a challenge and an adventure ... while we still can, we need to go for it. I always enjoy your adventures!! ❤️
Thanks, Susan…sorry I missed this last month. I love “life is a challenge, an adventure!” So true and I love every minute of it… even getting lost! Local places are the best, folks recognize you’re an outsider… are so kind and eager to help; share about their town. I needed a stop and it was Subway. I took my Turkey and cheese. Chips and coke to a table and put my feet up on a chair. Both workers came over and asked where I’m from/going. “Nobody ever eats here, it’s a take-out place,” they said. 😅 they sat down and chatted away. I used the restroom and blew them kisses when I left. Sweet remembering that…thank you!
Gives me some hope in human nature when I hear that they started a conversation. *sigh Being kind and interested isn't that hard and means so much! 😘 Have a great weekend.
You are brave to do all this driving alone. I can only imagine the sadness mingled with memories of all the good times you had with your hubby as you travel these routes again. I know he’d be proud of you. Hugs to you.
Thanks, Sally. I’ve been confident and careful, but eventually I’ll probably fly more to visit. I have my car checked …ask for “road trip worthy”courtesy check…at both ends. Same places/they know my car and history/my age 😃my kids both track me …so if I stop moving too long they’ll know where to look/inquire…another layer of safety imo. Thank you for understanding the connection I feel when making this trip. ☺️❤️appreciate you reading and caring, dear friend! 🤗😍
Wow…such a nice comment, compliment, Tim! Thank you so very much. Second time I!veleft something in draft so long…forgot the intent. 😃 Timing is everything I guess! Thanks for reading and replying! Appreciate you! 😊🫶
This is so beautiful, Joan. I imagine it was a bittersweet writing process but the result is loving and tender. I appreciate your journey (both the road trip angle and the grief journey). to be honest. you are an inspiration for me. Thank you for writing and posting.
Like two stories in one …not intentional. I like ‘trip journey, grief journey!’ Thank you for that! Appreciate you reading and caring, Gracie…you’re an inspiration too, my friend. Love that our paths have crossed! 🥰🫶❤️
Joanie, feeling your heart as I read this. For me too, the changing seasons rub at my grief. I sense this might be sprinkled within your memories. Such a team you two are, and what a gift 💝 you offered your children with the loving and adventurous companionship you shared. I’m not sure if there is anything more precious when we’ve hit the jack pot, as I do believe a lot of 🍀 luck is involved. Appreciated reading you today, as I know you always have things percolating. Heartfelt hugs and feel that squeeze of your hand, the only way Jim could. His signature… Xo💜
I think you commented twice…not sure I replied? You said ‘squeezing my hand’ making me tear up. And showing our kids a great love… thank you for that! 🥰 I so appreciate how you get me, understand it all. Love you for that, dear Joanie! 😘 Sending big hugs and happy wishes for Thanksgiving Day! Do you have Turkey in Hawaii??
Yes, we enjoy turkey on the islands and it’s such a hoot! It gets to be in the fifties and sixties and everyone has out their parkas, cozy fleece, and boots! One really acclimates to this climate, thus below 70 is chilly!🥶 Lol! Enjoy your Thanksgiving as well dear Joanie, and I sense and feel deeply into your writing. You are masterful in presenting a labyrinth. If you read it one way you land here. Another way takes you in a totally different direction. I would have loved to be an interloper on your convo’s with Jim! The embodied hand squeeze got you back into your bodies where it always began. Who needed a roller coaster 🎢 ride with you two! He’s so present in your heart, and it flows out onto your pages. Your offerings are heartfelt! My gratitude and love. Xo💜
If my wife drive it is on the interstate but if I am driving it is the back roads. It will take us longer to get where we are going but the pace is slower, but the local food is better than the roller food at some big gas stations and the scenery is a lot better.
You are so right, Paul… slower pace and finding local places, local knowledge makes the trip more pleasant, more “it’s the journey, not the destination!” Thanks for reading, I’m glad you do this too! Appreciate you being here, taking time to comment! Happy almost Thanksgiving to you both! ❤️🦃
Thank you, sweet friend..this made my cry …squeezing my hand! That’s exactly how many conversations ended. ☺️ 😢Thanks for picking up on that, for knowing grief is always there beneath the surface. You sense our beautiful bond, you know me well, my other Joanie! Love you! Appreciate you! 😍🫶❤️
Love boomeranging right back to YOU dearest Joanie. I could feel his your hands squeezing one another, your secret language, just for the two of you. I appreciate YOU, and you splash your heart everywhere you land. Now, that's a getting wet, I'll ready for. Loving care and warm aloha always to the two J's. 💞🤩
My husband and I are road trippers (he does all the driving) and know some of the places you mention. I loved your reference to conversations you have while looking straight ahead.
It was often about our kids… one who over achieved and thought she was entitled to our time and money, one who barely went to class… wasted money on “other things!”How to approach. I was still mommying them and he wanted to cut them off. Thank you for reading, my friend…neat you recognize these routes from snowbirding to Florida! ☺️Hugs! 🤗🤗
The three “tenses” of time should be balanced. Our brains have a memory-retention area & we are allowed to go there; yes, also while living in the present & peeking towards the future. Thanks for this.
Love this, Phil! It’s a good balance I’d say! Especially as we grow older. Didn’t realize I was using all three tenses! Thanks for reading and recognizing my piece had some perspective, some value! 😃Always appreciate your comments, sweet man!
Dear Friend, I am so glad you revisited this story of your summer adventure. How it wound back to a time and place where road tripping with your beloved partner was everything. Talking to Jim along the way. He would be so proud of you.
Once again, this gave me a few tears. Love you. oxox
I’m glad I gave it another try too …brought back memories! And talking to him gives me some brave, some peace. Thank you sweet friend, for saying he’d be proud… gives me teary eyes too! Love you. Have a wonderful 🦃Day gathered together with your dear mum there! 🫶☺️😘
My mom talks to dad too. It is a peace that washes over her. You are doing good. We are planning Thanksgiving and will talk about dogs for four hours. ha ha ha. Oh boy. (just wanted to make you laugh - but seriously!). Sending you much love my dear friend. Stay warm. oxox
Joan, this is a beautiful post that made me tear up. I don't think your essay meandered; I think it is about the memories of traveling with your life partner and now showing how out of necessity, you have adapted to traveling alone via car. Your grief is palpable, but there are so many wonderful memories too.
I'm partial to cats, and these three you shared pictures of are beauties!
I started about travel and intended to tell cat tales 😅…but the Thelma trip came along and I wrote that instead. Going back I just wanted to write about Jim… like my heart vetoed what my brain had in mind! LOL You are so sweet to see it all in me, understand, sweet friend! Love you for that! ❤️😍🫶
I loved taking this little trip through time with you. Keep going and keep sharing your memories. That way it will keep them alive.
Thanks Kathleen! It was a meandering read for sure. Funny how it brought back memories… thanks for seeing that! 🥰☺️🫶
keep talkin to the dude .. Lovin it.. ‘Drive he sez .. Drive ! 🦎🏴☠️🍁
Sweet! ❤️🤗Thank you!
I love this, and I love road trips, too!
Thanks for reading, Liz, and for sharing it! We did too, and now I’ve gotten used to doing on my own. Happy travels if you’re going somewhere for Thanksgiving! ☺️🦃
This was beautiful. Felt I was along for the trip....the literal road and the nostalgic turn made in the town we all either know, or will....Loving Memory. Incredibly moving. Big hugs to you, Joan, and thanks for sharing such a tender journey.
Many blessings and MUCH LOVE,
~Wendy💜
What a nice compliment, Wendy… thank you so much! Had no idea this would touch someone, if you could feel it, it gives me pride and confidence and motivation to keep writing. It’s been eleven years and I think no more sad grief stuff. But it creeps in when we least expect. Happened here and I just went with it. Thank you for reading and getting me! Much love to you! 💕👍🥰Happiest of holiday season too! 🎄🎶
It definitely touched me, Joan, and I am sure it has done and will continue to do the same for other readers. It’s those pieces that we allow to flow onto the page as they will that are some of the most connecting. Your experience is one in which we can all relate in one way or another, and that makes it extra special. Those real moments of remembrance that happen seemingly out of nowhere really do touch the heart and to embrace their coming and share what that looks like makes for a precious connection. I look forward to reading more of your writing! 🤗👓📖💞✨💜
☺️🫶thank you! 😘
I love driving too, Joan! And I love the backroads.... so much more interesting. I got off the interstate once and found a little bar and grill in Indiana...spotless, obviously where all the locals go, and it was the best cheeseburger ever!! I walked around and took some pictures. It was great!
I've never felt afraid driving alone, though it is more fun with a partner. Life is a challenge and an adventure ... while we still can, we need to go for it. I always enjoy your adventures!! ❤️
Thanks, Susan…sorry I missed this last month. I love “life is a challenge, an adventure!” So true and I love every minute of it… even getting lost! Local places are the best, folks recognize you’re an outsider… are so kind and eager to help; share about their town. I needed a stop and it was Subway. I took my Turkey and cheese. Chips and coke to a table and put my feet up on a chair. Both workers came over and asked where I’m from/going. “Nobody ever eats here, it’s a take-out place,” they said. 😅 they sat down and chatted away. I used the restroom and blew them kisses when I left. Sweet remembering that…thank you!
Gives me some hope in human nature when I hear that they started a conversation. *sigh Being kind and interested isn't that hard and means so much! 😘 Have a great weekend.
🥰😘 Happy Christmas time in Alaska! 🎄🎅🏻🎶
Beautiful Joan!
You are brave to do all this driving alone. I can only imagine the sadness mingled with memories of all the good times you had with your hubby as you travel these routes again. I know he’d be proud of you. Hugs to you.
Thanks, Sally. I’ve been confident and careful, but eventually I’ll probably fly more to visit. I have my car checked …ask for “road trip worthy”courtesy check…at both ends. Same places/they know my car and history/my age 😃my kids both track me …so if I stop moving too long they’ll know where to look/inquire…another layer of safety imo. Thank you for understanding the connection I feel when making this trip. ☺️❤️appreciate you reading and caring, dear friend! 🤗😍
A nice recovery from a lost thread, sewed back together with style and feeling! The time-traveling title is perfect!
Wow…such a nice comment, compliment, Tim! Thank you so very much. Second time I!veleft something in draft so long…forgot the intent. 😃 Timing is everything I guess! Thanks for reading and replying! Appreciate you! 😊🫶
This is so beautiful, Joan. I imagine it was a bittersweet writing process but the result is loving and tender. I appreciate your journey (both the road trip angle and the grief journey). to be honest. you are an inspiration for me. Thank you for writing and posting.
Like two stories in one …not intentional. I like ‘trip journey, grief journey!’ Thank you for that! Appreciate you reading and caring, Gracie…you’re an inspiration too, my friend. Love that our paths have crossed! 🥰🫶❤️
Joanie, feeling your heart as I read this. For me too, the changing seasons rub at my grief. I sense this might be sprinkled within your memories. Such a team you two are, and what a gift 💝 you offered your children with the loving and adventurous companionship you shared. I’m not sure if there is anything more precious when we’ve hit the jack pot, as I do believe a lot of 🍀 luck is involved. Appreciated reading you today, as I know you always have things percolating. Heartfelt hugs and feel that squeeze of your hand, the only way Jim could. His signature… Xo💜
I think you commented twice…not sure I replied? You said ‘squeezing my hand’ making me tear up. And showing our kids a great love… thank you for that! 🥰 I so appreciate how you get me, understand it all. Love you for that, dear Joanie! 😘 Sending big hugs and happy wishes for Thanksgiving Day! Do you have Turkey in Hawaii??
Yes, we enjoy turkey on the islands and it’s such a hoot! It gets to be in the fifties and sixties and everyone has out their parkas, cozy fleece, and boots! One really acclimates to this climate, thus below 70 is chilly!🥶 Lol! Enjoy your Thanksgiving as well dear Joanie, and I sense and feel deeply into your writing. You are masterful in presenting a labyrinth. If you read it one way you land here. Another way takes you in a totally different direction. I would have loved to be an interloper on your convo’s with Jim! The embodied hand squeeze got you back into your bodies where it always began. Who needed a roller coaster 🎢 ride with you two! He’s so present in your heart, and it flows out onto your pages. Your offerings are heartfelt! My gratitude and love. Xo💜
The nicest, most beautifully said compliment I’ve ever had! Thank you. 💕😍I am humbled and honored by your kindness, Joaniep!
Great stories, Joan. Bittersweet.💕
Thanks, Diane…my mind went back as I was writing forward, grief and old memories seeping in. Thanks for reading, my friend! 😘🤗
It’s poignant 💕💕
If my wife drive it is on the interstate but if I am driving it is the back roads. It will take us longer to get where we are going but the pace is slower, but the local food is better than the roller food at some big gas stations and the scenery is a lot better.
You are so right, Paul… slower pace and finding local places, local knowledge makes the trip more pleasant, more “it’s the journey, not the destination!” Thanks for reading, I’m glad you do this too! Appreciate you being here, taking time to comment! Happy almost Thanksgiving to you both! ❤️🦃