Curtis. His life was cut short by a tragic traffic accident. I was prepared to be full of anger and sadness. I was sad. I feel like it was untimely and unfair. I was not prepared for the feeling of peace that I felt when I talked to his friends, family, co-workers, his preacher, his motorcycle family and his many lady friends. He really defined living life to the fullest. He worked hard and played even harder. He surrounded himself with people who loved, respected, admired, and adored him. He always said "It is what it is and it will be what it will be." He made a difference in the lives of everyone he met and he will live on through the memories he left behind.
Martha and Daryl: I met new (extended) family. It's one of those times where you feel the connection before you are even introduced. Martha and I showed up dressed EXACTLY alike...Including having the exact same color fingernail polish. She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. Daryl and I have personalities so similar it's hard to believe we didn't know each other before last week. I will not tease him about my football team beating his football team last night because it is their anniversary and I don't want him to go to bed mad. I'm looking forward to getting to know them better and visiting under better circumstances and weather conditions.
Cousins. I traveled to Maryland to visit my cousin Eric, his gorgeous wife Karen, and their amazing son Luke. Karen and I are twin souls. We had more "me too" moments in a few hours than I've ever had in my life. I've always been super proud of Eric for selflessly serving our country for 25 plus years, but I am convinced he has missed his calling. He works true MAGIC in the kitchen and his mixed drinks are amazing.
Luke. I don't have enough time to tell you about this little ladies man. Earlier that day... I told Eric that Karen living up north with him should be all the proof he could ever need of how much she loves him. (Karen is from Hawaii and as allergic to cold weather as I am.) I stated that I couldn't imagine anyone convincing me to return to that painful weather. I stand corrected. Luke wrapped me around his little finger and made me pinky promise to come back soon. I've never, EVER broken a pinky promise. He even promised to teach me how to build a snowman. He kept a little piece of my heart with him. I miss them already.
My dad. Any of you who know him will understand that traveling with him will always be an adventure, a challenge, a battle, and 9 out of 10 times you will get to meet the local law enforcement. This trip was no different. I'll save the story about the SWAT team at Chicken on a Roof for another time. My heart is still beating too fast. Every one of Curtis' friends said "Oh you are Uncle Nolan from Louisiana. We've heard so much about you. Curtis really looked up to you." They were a lot like brothers. He also got to spend time with his brother in law-Harry (Eric's dad). THAT is double trouble!!! I completely enjoyed this road trip with him. He is still bragging that he was TSA Pre-checked and I was only Delta Priority. Pretty clear to see where I get "being a brat" from. I'm blessed to be able to experience these adventures with him and I hope I tell him enough how lucky I am that he is my dad.
Snow. To everyone who told me "it's a different kind of cold"...I will NEVER believe another word you say. Cold is cold. I've honestly never been so cold in my life. I'm NOT being a sissy. It was a winter storm. It even had it's own name. Cato. After the initial shock, I realized it's the cold WIND that was the most painful. I was amazed at how many layers of clothes I could really wear at one time. Snow is beautiful. I played in it, however, I could not come close to mastering the art of making a snowman. I'm pretty sure my nose was running most of the time, but I was so cold I had no idea. The air felt so clean and fresh. I was pretty excited thinking I might have a few days without the humidity frizzy hair. Well...I ended up with the static electricity hair. It's just a hopeless hair world that I live in. 
"where has the time gone?". GONE and we don't get to get it back. I don't plan to waste another moment waiting for a tomorrow that may never come.
Thanks for reading....
Michelle
