I once was lost, but now I'm found!

It was Spring Break 2011 and for a few moments, I missed being married.  I don't think about that often anymore, but on this particular day, I did.  Anna, Savannah and I made a mad dash down to Orlando so that they could spend the day at Islands of Adventure.  Everything was under control and going great.  Tickets were purchased, a hotel reservation was made and meals for my two little vegetarians were packed.

The gates had opened and I prepared  to drop them off at the park.  I thought it would be easy enough.  We were staying less than two miles from the park.  There was a problem.  Since I didn't want to pay $15 to park, I had to find drop off parking which was the same place as bus parking.  The nice attendant kept saying, "Go straight and then go left."  When I got in the lane to go straight, there were cones blocking the way.  The attendant was still friendly, but losing patience.  She kept saying, "Go straight and then go left. I was exasperated.  I rolled down my window and said, "I am so sorry, but there are cones here."  At that point she walked to the front of my car and led me in the right direction.  She wanted me in the lane that curved sharply to the right.  That was the lane that she was calling the straight lane.  Granted, that lane was the flow that the painted lines followed, but I am a very literal person.  When you tell me to go straight, I think it means to literally go straight.  Finally, I went in the attendant's straight direction and exited this parking lot.

My next directions were, "Go to Kirkman, make a U-turn, take a left and then take another left."  Let me just pause here and say that I am directionally challenged.  God gave my portion of those gifts to my sister!  At that moment, I was thinking I would never find my way to bus parking, much less, find my way into the park and pick up the tickets.  If I was able to manage all this, I seriously doubted that I would be able to find my way back to where I parked!  At that point, I looked at Anna and said, "Right now, I miss being married.  Your dad could have navigated us through all this without a moment's hesitation."

I thought about a saying that I have quoted at least a couple of times on the blog.  "Life goes on."  I found this picture yesterday when I was looking for a new background for my phone.  It reminded me of a road that I could so easily get lost on.  But, even when I am lost, at least I am going somewhere.  I have not hit a dead end.  It may take me a little time to find my way, but I will get there.

I finally made it to drop off parking.  The adventure did not end there.  We had to wait in line for almost an hour to pick up the tickets I had pre-purchased to save time.  I had to show proof of residency since I had opted for the Florida resident discount.  I had this sinking fear that my car would be towed.  I called customer service at the park and the wonderful security people assured me that they would not tow the car.  Finally, almost two hours later, I was back at the hotel.

So, yes, for a few moments, I missed being married.  And, for those moments, I was tempted to be angry about  being thrust into this situation through no choice of my own. Thankfully, the moments passed.  I drove, I turned and I conquered.  Two crazy girls were safely delivered to the park and there were helpful people all along the way.  I made a couple of unnecessary twists and turns on the adventure, but I made the destination.  I realized something in the process.  It was more than just a destination to a park, it was a destination a new place within myself.