We returned to the lovey suite at Vero Beach Hotel and Spa last night after dinner, full from a delicious meal, a little drunk from the bottle of wine and cocktails and beer throughout the day, and giddy from the loveliness of a fun evening filled with laughter. We discussed setting the alarms to an ungodly hour to hit the road early. Then, in a moment of clarity, Zak and I both realized that given our surroundings we should soak up every moment. We knew we were facing a 10 hour drive, but if we left at 11, conveniently the checkout time, we would still be in by 9. We could still set the alarm for that ungodly hour, but instead of getting in the car, we could get in suits and sit the beach and pool one last time.
That’s what we did.
We were the first in line for the coffee and the first on the pool deck, no pool receptionists, no towels, no ice cold cucumber infused water. Just us, prime chairs, and a few hours of beaching and pooling before that dreaded car ride. It was fantastic. The perfect way to end the Florida part of the trip.
And then we drove for 10 hours. It actually seemed to go by quickly. We listened to the first half of “Wild.” We can all relate to so much of what she experienced. We also stopped at another Cook Out. Ugh. It was just as bad this time around as last time, but I’m the only one who thinks that. I’ve decided I get to pick lunch tomorrow, as we are officially out of bread. No more pb&j and Cheetos for the rest of the summer!!!!
We’re at a Holiday Inn in Kimball, Tennessee tonight. It is a very strange night for us. It’s the last time I’ll pull my toothbrush and floss out of a gallon sized Ziplock that is now full of tiny holes from the floss picks. It’s the last time the four of us will fall asleep in the same room. The last time I’ll be able to hear Ellie’s snores throughout the whole night. The last time we’ll set up our charging station to make sure the phones, tablets, and game boys are ready for the next day. It’s the last time the girls will argue about who sleeps on what side of the bed, both always wanting to be closest to our bed. It’s the last time Zak and I will have to whisper good nights and love yous to one another to avoid waking the girls.
The last 40 nights have been the best of my life. The most memorable. I have so much to reflect on, so much to process, so much to continue to learn about these last six weeks. I am ready for this to be the last night. I am. But I never want to let go of the peace, the love, the joy the nights have brought us.
