Know Dis

A trip to Cedar Falls was all he had planned. Forgoing real plans for a fun day out with the kids, he woke up and asked, "What are we going to do today?" To be honest with himself, he already had some semblance of a plan. Knowing the unemployment check would be in the mail in a couple days, he had plenty time to take them paddle boating at Beech Fork another day.

He had enough gas in his land yacht for a day trip and one extra seat. As with any new adventure, they had to think about fudz. The dauther grabbed her Camp Rock backpack, now completely empty of school work. She filled it with bottled water, nuts, seeds, granola, and the camera that was a gift from the last time he had nothing.

On the way, he dodged questions about where they were going and what they hoped to find there. He himself had never been. His own parents too rigid and planted to spread their branches and explore what the world had to offer. He deflected requests to stop at McDonalds because they will not take the food stamp card. This was free fun with the exception of gas.

There was still one empty seat to be filled. One that would remain empty because there were a hundred reasons for it to be avoided like the plauge. Some thought there wouldn't be any fun with two kids along for the ride. Some didn't see a point in even going if there was nothing to do or be gained. Still, others couldn't go because of the lack of notice.

He'd given up on planning ahead for fun trips because it was so frustrating to try to get others to coordinate. They'd either string him along with their indecisiveness or bail at the last minute. Nowadays instead of planning ahead, he just goes on adventures not worrying about other adults. The kids never seem to mind and they're thrilled to boldly go.

Watching the other families and groups of friends along the trail he had to wonder if they had been planning this trip for a year. Maybe they drove for miles and miles like he had. Perhaps they were just passing through and stopping at some sights along the way. Then there had to be locals who normally say it's boring but on a nice day like today, they decided to go on a whim.

All these people were not part of his plan. If he had stayed home all day none of their fun would have been affected. People would still be there enjoying the nature and the trails and the waterfall. Life keeps going if you're there or not. This was his plan.

Consider it a plan not to plan but to do. His parents spent too much time dreaming and planning while everyone else was out having fun. Not wanting to miss it, he gets up and goes in the direction he feels pulled. Somewhere inside he knows that he is not missing anything because he's part of another plan. HIS plan.