I’ve never owned a jeep before, never driven a vehicle with no top and no doors. I’ve always been a “truck” kind of guy.
My daughter; Grace, is graduating high school in a few weeks. I remember getting the call when she was born. Grace is adopted. She was born in Ft. Worth, TX at the Gladney Center; an amazing place. Her mother; Jennifer, was and still is an amazing young woman. Grace is blessed to have “2” sets of parents. A wonderful birth family and a equally wonderful adopted family. Her mother and I continue to be blessed with her.
Enough of the introduction. Fast forward to last Saturday morning. Cloudy, windy, humid and cool. I had already taken off the doors and top to my newly acquired 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport; with 35″ tires. A 5-speed adventure vehicle.
I picked up Grace that morning. no plans, just wanting to spend some quality time with her. Her schedule is busy, finishing high school, applying for scholarships, breaking up with her long-time boy friend, prom arrangements, part-time job and then the normal day-to-day activities of a high school senior.
We decided to head north to “The Glory Hole”. She had never been there. Up highway 21 we went. That last sentence was a Segway for you to check out my website; http://www.rivervalleyadventuresmag.com for information on the Glory Hole and other great places to visit in the River Valley of Arkansas.
The wind, pollen, cool temperatures kept her wrapped up in her “snuggie”.
It’s hard to talk in a jeep with no doors and top going 55mph, but we laughed and had a good time.
The Glory Hole did not disappoint us. Beautiful, peaceful, serene. We set up our ENO hammocks and had a chill session.
My time with Grace is precious. I could write more and more. I am new to blogging and; obviously, I need to read up on etiquette,etc..
There are a lot of parent who are sad, emotion about their child graduating from high school. I am happy and excited. Not really nervous. Her mom and I are divorced, a very sad time for Grace and everyone, but we did do something right. We raised her to “spread her wings”. There are not two more devoted parents. Two points of views, opinions, beliefs, etc…to share with Grace when she asks.
I want her to graduate and spread her wings. I think all parents want their children to have a better life and to do and experience things that we didn’t. We are no exception.
Thank you Grace for the great day and adventure. Spread your wings and fly! I will always be there to catch you.