Lindsey and Dad’s Special Place
The other day my family and I were crossing over I 20 on our way to Covington.
We were approaching the overpass when Lindsey said, “hey Dad, there is our special spot,” as she pointed over to the side of the road.
Lindsey is my wonderful, always smiling, very giggly eight year old. She was a gift from God that completed a season of healing for my wife and me after a painful miscarriage. She is our third, and as the third child, she has a personality that is unique and her own.
One day, not long ago, Lindsey and I were heading to Covington to complete some errands, the nature of which escapes me now, however, I do remember being in a hurry with a lot on my list. She was there to keep me company and spend some much needed one-on-one time with the old Dad.
We were driving our Mercury mini-van. This had been a terrific vehicle, but let me say that I just despise mini-vans…and I have earned the right to say that because I had to drive one for over 10 years! One good thing about having 6 children is that we no longer fit in a mini-van!
Anyway, we were heading to Covington and were approaching the overpass on highway 11N, when all of a sudden my precious little van of the mini goes dead; and I mean dead.
As we drifted to the side of the road, on the bridge, all of the usual thoughts began to fill my mind. You know the ones, “Aw C’mon! No Way Man! What now? Why Me? Don’t Do This To Me Van…I Love You! Don’t You Know I Have A lot To Do!!!???” So on and so forth.
My entire agenda rushed through my head and I began to feel the familiar twinge of stress fill my chest. Then, something beautiful happened. Before one word of complaint could reach my more than eager lips, I glanced over at Lindsey who was completely oblivious to the reality of our situation, (oblivion seems to be one of her best qualities!) She was sitting in the passenger seat smiling and enjoying the time we were spending together, unaware of the schedule that governed us or the mechanical malfunction that stopped us. She was just happy to be with me, and I am so glad that I was paying attention…for once.
I had a decision to make, and a very important one at that. Was I going to allow myself to get upset, to stress about all of reality I was facing concerning missed appointments, towing fees, mechanic repair costs and the like, or was I going to have fun with Lindsey…yes, I said fun.
We stalled across the highway from a BP convenience store, which seemed, convenient, and we decided to go get some snacks and a drink. The tow truck service informed me that it would be two hours before they could get to us so we had plenty of time. Lindsey and I walked across the street and purchased some stuff that seemed to be appropriate for the moment, lots of chocolate and soda, and then returned to the wonderful little dead mini-van…that I loved so very much, especially now.
I made a conscious decision to laugh, to talk, but not about the negativity of our present situation, to share and get to know my daughter a little better. I chose to just have a good time with her, and we did.
I am not sure what happened after the conversation Lindsey and I had. I know the wrecker came and got us. It appears that I got the van fixed, and we sold it when the twins were born as we needed a bigger vehicle. I am sure that whatever we had to do that day was accomplished, at some point. But more importantly, I know that Lindsey and I grew closer, and had fun.
To this day, every time we pass that place in the road Lindsey is reminded of the great day she got to spend with her father. I am reminded of how important it is to identify the important moments I am blessed with to be Dad, the fun and happy Dad, who can even make breaking down a good time to remember.
I am reminded that life is not just the journey down the road, but it is also the time you spend on the side of the road that matters.
Jason, father of six