“Just an old-fashioned love song, playing on the radio. And wrapped around the music is the sound of someone promising they’ll never go. You swear you’ve heard it before, as it slowly rambles on. No need in bringing them back, cause they’re never really gone.” So the past two weeks, I feel like I’ve basically been living the life of a professional truck driver (minus the sleeping inside a tractor-trailer at night and taking showers at truck stops). After a 3,600 mile roundtrip to San Diego and back, precious memories were indeed made. Especially getting to finally meet my newborn grandson (who I absolutely am in love with) and spending time with my youngest daughter. And I also saw some amazing sights on the trip to and from the west coast, including the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and especially Sedona. But for the most part, it was just me on the empty road, most of those times having to share it with those same said truck drivers, while collecting all my thoughts, and listening to all those classic songs from the 70’s (on both ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Yacht Rock’ stations). And over 3,600 miles along with a total of more than 50 hours on the road, many of those same songs played several times over and over the course of my journey.
But that’s okay, I absolutely loved it. And if I didn’t I could have easily switched stations right? So many of these songs made me realize that I have finally overcome any of the depression that I once may have had (okay, fine, that I did have)? We all, or at least the vast majority of us have had to deal with heartbreak, a gut punch, and unanswered questions at least one time in our lives. So why should I be an exception? And the positive side to it all, is that I actually learned something from it, and about myself as well. That I’ve not only physically moved on from it obviously, but now emotionally as well. A brand new chapter of my life has indeed started, and I feel really good about it. I do realize things are going to be okay for me. While I may not have yet met the next love of my life, I know that she’s out there, somewhere. And perhaps I have met her, but the timing isn’t right for either one of us at this time? Either way, I’m good with it all. And I think this road trip did help clear my mind some, and it did finally make me realize all that, and more. And of course all those old songs on the radio helped out as well. It’s funny how lyrics can do that to a man’s soul.
So where I go from here is anyone’s guess. I still have 5 more weeks of vacation that I can take this year (though I doubt that I’ll be doing that). So maybe there’s another road trip ahead of me in my near future?, either back to the west coast or in another direction entirely? I have plenty of money, so actually I could go anywhere I wanted to. But ya know, as much fun as this solo adventure was, it’s still more enjoyable with a plus one (no matter if it’s a buddy, a daughter or a next love?). So here’s to more road trips, more learning about myself, and listening to more old-fashioned love songs playing on the radio. And wrapped around all that music is the sound of someone promising they’ll never go. However, there’s no need in bringing them back, cause they’re never really gone. They’re all ghosts now, only to look upon with reflection. But it’s time to move on, and I have!