271

271 miles... that is the distance between Waco, TX and Natchitoches, LA. Several people have commented on how much I've driven (and will again for Christmas) these sometimes long and always barren miles through the east Texas piney woods. The most recent trip was a painful one... when I arrived my Dad expressed his regret for all the miles I've logged lately. I think they're easy, especially when you put them in the context of our lives over the last 26 years...

518... that's the number of miles from Natchitoches, LA to Marshfield, MO. For all the summers of my life my Dad and Carol have made that trip.... most of which they drove all the way up and picked up my brother and I, brought us back to Louisiana, then turned around one or two weeks later and did it again to bring us back to Missouri. Maybe you don't understand the gravity of this... EVERY summer for 15 years my father sacrificed his entire vacation to drive 2072 miles to see his kids. Imagine not taking a real vacation for 15 years just to see your kids. Now that's love. So, the very least I can do is make a mini-pilgrimage home from time to time. This song always reminds me of our summers...

Highway 20 Ride - Zac Brown Band

(see the widget in the side bar to listen)

Thanks Dad! I love you!!