The Leaving Behind
Oct 11
That West Texas town was dead quiet out of respect to the whistle grinding howls of the trains that came through every couple of hours or so. A cowboy here, a Mexican family trying to cross the border there, and ranchers and rich artists everywhere. We settled in, thinking the traveling was over. She was content, finding ways to fill her time. I was doing the same, new friends, new places to drink and explore and Jeep rides into Big Bend National Park. Tristan found a 25 year old lady friend who took him to work on gardens and fix up a hostel almost every day. Things seemed to be working out well.
But life is rarely, if ever, what it seems to be and I’ve learned for certain that no plans are ever definite. Changing up the angles on your own particular life’s shape is an inevitability that anyone who grabs onto the traveling life will find themselves clinging to. Not that everyone will suffer our fate, or that it’s even suffering that needs to be our fate, but I couldn’t sit still. I felt trapped in the reality of compromise, and simultaneously, at the age of 30–maybe a midlife crisis, I don’t know–was feeling in my prime, a rebirth of energy and potential like I’d never know before. I felt and feel as though I can do anything.
And so like that everything that was wasn’t, and the next day my son and I were in a rental car headed for Colorado.
Olivia
11 Oct 2009 11:34 pm
The travelling was not to be over forever. Just a time to regather direction. At the very least a cozy stopover for the winter time. A moment to build our family base, to keep books and family treasures, and hammocks. A small house which I had hoped to build with my own hands. A time to enjoy close frienship so often missing on the road.
Our family was where our hearts beat. Home is where my heart beats.
James NomadRip
12 Oct 2009 10:57 pm
Well, I’m still following along. I hope all is well with you two.
admin
13 Oct 2009 8:52 am
Good to hear, James.
Things are rough, but getting better. Olivia was an enormous part of our life for the last five years. Enormous.
We’ll miss her to death and it will certainly be a whole different experience without her.
Aldo
16 Oct 2009 10:43 am
I’m also following along, admiring your courage to sticking to your lifestyle on the road. Love the VW Bus. My Dad had one – same color too. We call them Combi down there in Mexico. Just wondering… What happened to the RV? and your scoot ride?
admin
16 Oct 2009 10:59 am
I can barely keep up with all the names for her, Aldo-transporter, microbus, combi-but we just go by Champ.
As for the RV, our dearest Olivia is still living in it in Texas. The scooter trip was grand and I still need to set up the video for it, hopefully soon!
Glad to see you here!