More on Roadtrips..

Well, today is the 13th, my new favorite #.  In speaking with Vito, over at Viro's Italian Bakery, he said that in Italy, the #13 is considered to be very lucky.  I finally brought back Kimmy's wheelchair to St. Joseph's today.  I parked it back in the lobby, out of the draft from the automatic doors, in the spot where I parked her the day Monsignor Tom prayed with her and lit up her day...

Of course, since we moved to Arizona back in 1994, we always looked forward to our road trips to California, the beach, Disney, Sea World, Little Italy, etc.  Five or six years ago, Kim told me that she'd like to visit with her Aunt Beverly, Uncle Russ and see her cousin, Kyle and his family on the way through to Disney.  They lived in Perris and San Bernandino.  When we go to California, we always seem to stop for breakfast in Gila Bend, Arizona - literally a wide spot in the road on I-8.  This time, we decided to hit the McDonald's.  When we pulled into the parking lot, there was a colorful old man leading a donkey through the desert.  Cody was fascinated and wanted to meet the donkey.  We waited for him to make it to the parking lot and went over.  The man looked like a gold prospector, coming out of the hills after many months of panning and he said that Cody could pet his donkey.  He saw how Cody brightened and said 'hey, would you like to ride my donkey young man?'....Cody beamed with joy.  The man hoisted Cody onto a well worn saddle, told him to hang on and proceeded to lead his donkey around the perimeter of the parking lot.  It sure made Cody's day!

We made it to Perris and met up with Beverly and her wonderful family.  It seemed as if we had known each other for years - the kids all hit it off right away...here's how Kyle's wife, Jodi, remembers our time together:

          

We were so thankful to meet you guys when Cody was a baby.  We had a very short, but joyful meeting.  Carl's Jr. in Perris, I believe.  Before we moved from CA to TX, we got to hang out at Disneyland.  What a fun treat!!!  The boys hit it off instantly and had a blast on the Buzz Lightyear ride and Megan will never forget that she got to drive Kim around Autopia.  Joke was on Kim.  If she had whiplash later that day, we know why!!!  What a GREAT time we had!

If we were to put our experience with Kim into one word, it would be Hospitality.  When we decided to stop and see you on the way through Tucson to our new home in TX, we asked where we should go to dinner.  "Oh no way!  Come over to our house and we will have dinner," Kim insisted.  I thought it would be a super easy meal like spaghetti or whatever.  NOPE!  If I remember correctly there was pasta and more than one sauce to choose from.  All homemade, of course.  There was a HUGE salad with every topping, bread, etc... TONS of food.  We completely pigged out.  THEN after dinner there was a homemade cheesecake and coffee.  Whoa, did I feel pampered!  I wanted so badly to park there and stay for good! 

We booked a hotel room, since we were hauling not just four kids, but also our menagerie of pets.  Though Kim insisted we all stay (and really meant it), she actually managed to keep three of the kids there, which really made the hotel stay quite smooth and easy.  We made it back in the morning hoping for some toast and a hug for the road.  We were greeted with what could rival a buffet in Las Vegas!!!!  Belgian waffles with all kinds of toppings, toast, eggs, sausage and bacon (Dave, how is your cholesterol!!!  lol), several types of juice and coffee.  It absolutely blew us away.  We wanted to stay forever. 

The last time we went through Tucson we didn't have the courtesy to give you any warning.  We literally called from the freeway saying we would be coming through.  We were still greeted with the same love and generosity.  We hung out at the park, enjoyed some time catching up and were back on our way. Kim was digging around looking for treats for the kids to make the car ride more tolerable.    What a Kim thing to do!!!

You, Kim and the kids are amazing and we have had so much fun with you on our brief visits!  In the past month or so I have imagined getting together again, dreamed of you guys coming to TX and how much fun we would have.  Maybe some day....   Give the kids big hugs from us.  


Oh, and Lauren and I saw the Big Dipper last night in our crystal clear, but FREEZING 30 degree night air last night and said a prayer for you guys! 

I thought these verses described Kim to a T. 

1 Timothy 5:10 ESV

And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

Romans 12:13 ESV

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Love from the McDonald family!!!!! 

Thanks Jodi

Our trip was very memorable for us, too!  I remember, after leaving Perris, we headed up a winding road out of town that led to San Juan Capistrano, where the swallows migrate each year.  The mission church there was so beautiful and the town very scenic...we sure enjoyed our time in California...

This morning's sunrise was so pretty in Tucson...the bambini's all commented on how beautiful it was, with the pinks and peach colors highlighted on the low clouds...Mama wishing them good morning...

       Love,

                Dave