A Journey of Self Discover

*** the journey continues ***


The rest of the journey, thank the Gods, was fairly uneventful.

Except one particular part where your mother leaned forward and said, "Bear. Bear! BEAR!!!"

"GAH", I reply. "GURK", I say, trying to form a word.

"BEAR!", your Mother reiterates, as if this concept needs reinforcement.

"Where? For the love of all that is Holy, WHERE?", I shout, swiveling my head like a possessed Linda Blair. I had no idea it would turn all the way around like an owl. This trip is just one surprise after another. I'm pushing boundaries. I'm testing my limits. When all is said and done, I may need extended care, but for now I'm on a journey of self-discovery.

She pats my shoulder, "Back there on the side of the bank, next to the tree line. It's okay, it just kind of followed us for a while but it's gone now."

"Followed us?"

"Yeah . . . just kind of popped in and out of the trees . . . following us."

Well, isn't that . . . dandy? I have no words left. I just shake my head that I understood.

Five more minutes up the road and I see a sign. A lovely sign. A wonderful sign. It was bathed in a ray of light. Bunnies skampered at its base and there was a blue bird perched on its rim. I may have glimpsed the tall red hat of a Gnome peeking out from behind its wooden supports. (Ha! I knew the brochures wouldn't lie!) It read. . .

"Hidden Valley Lodge. Welcome!"

Mom gives a small squeal and pounds my back excitedly. "We're saved!"

Pfffftttttt. . . . as if there was ever any doubt.


*** End of Chapter 7 - the journey continues ***