In the morning, the stresses of yesterday’s drive have diminished if not faded altogether. I contact my friend Francesca, whom I have not seen in close to 11 years. She is working at Northeastern Illinois University which is conveniently located next to North Park University, my alma mater. So, we agree to meet for lunch at the Swedish Restaurant right across the street from my freshman dorm. It is great to reconnect with Francesca and the kids are still so exhausted from yesterday that they sit flopped in their seats and are quiet while the adults get caught up. Again, the time is all too brief, but now that we are on the same continent I am hoping that I won’t have to wait 11 years to reconnect again.
We say good-bye to Francesca and then take a tour of North Park.
It has changed a lot since I have seen it last, but all for the better. It also retains enough of it’s former self that it is not too disorienting. The kids are tired, but we reassure them that it is a small school, and so it won’t take long. Back to Kenosha in time for Todd and Kevin (Bekah’s husband) to take the kids to the beach while Bekah and I can relax and chat. Kevin, God bless him, has picked up Giordano’s pizza on the way home so we feast in grand style. We get the kids to bed and then Kevin runs us to Blockbuster to replenish our DVD stores for the long drives ahead. Thank you Kevin, aka the DVD Fairy! Our kids have sung your praises across several states! We have clean clothes and a well equipped car and we are ready to head off to Tornado Alley tomorrow.
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