Yesterday, Laura and the girls and I traveled to northeast Georgia where I was scheduled to speak and entertain at the Elberton Christian Church just north of Athens. Isn’t perspective a funny thing? Laura and I found ourselves in a somewhat jolly state when we pulled into a gas station in eastern Tennessee and realized that gas had dropped to a mere $3.57 per gallon. After we both made gleeful proclamations of our approval, I suddenly rushed into reality and the mindset of my grandfather. “I remember when gas was less than a dollar,” I said secretly longing for the “good ole’ days” when gas under three dollars would suffice. We grabbed a quick lunch and headed for our destination. As we pulled back unto I-75 towards Atlanta, Brooklyn perked up “Can we go to China please?” Laura and I paused and looked at each other as if to say a collective, “Huh?” “Why do you want to go to China honey?” Laura asked. “There are Koala Bears in China and I’d like to go see them. Maybe tomorrow we could go to Chuck E. Chesse’s and then we can go to China.” As I wondered where she would get such an outrageous idea, that itinerary did sound like fun to me. Kids are the best!
We arrived in Elberton around 6 and were greeted by the minister, Jay Akin, and a handful of anxious and eager volunteers. The church filled up pretty quickly – from preschoolers to senior citizens – and Jay introduced me and turned me loose. I had never been to Elberton before. As a matter of fact, as I talked my way through the sports teams segment of my program, it occurred to me that the closest I’d ever come to Elberton before was the campus of Clemson University (an hour north). This place was packed with Bulldogs though (or Bulldawgs as they said). Someone stood up as I scrolled through the neighboring colleges and shouted, “Go Gators!” I said, “Hey a Florida fan! Welcome to the United States!” The people were so much fun to talk to (even during the program) and I appreciated how many folks came by my table to talk and express their gratitude for the evening as they left. Afterward, I met their youth minister, Darrell Asche who told me that he had been a week that I had spoken at in Indianapolis years and years before (98 or 99). It truly is a small world.
As we drove home, Laura and I talked about new parenting strategies (we’re currently potty training Katie and helping Brooklyn understand that Kung Fu is not the appropriate way to resolve conflict with her younger sister), Brett Favre and our alternatives to the China Koala trip for tomorrow. It is so nice whenever she is with me on the road. She’s always able to offer constructive criticism after programs and a different perspective; which is important for an aloof person like myself. She also has the good sense to remind me when a Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake from Steak‘n Shake is beneficial. I have a great wife. We pulled in early this morning around 2 am and collapsed! A few days of slumber will be necessary before the next adventure.
