I don’t know about for you but for David and I tomorrow already fells like one of those full, stop-and-go kinds of days where the route matters almost as much as the destination. I am so excited because it’s going to be a day of stops, stories and family time in Hobart, Oklahoma.
Starting with a familiar convenience stop for snacks and something easy for David sets the tone for the drive, and then heading out toward Hobart which turns it into a day that’s part errands, part visit, and part catching up on life as it is right now.
Once David and I arrive plan naturally flows into time with Charlie and Michaela, along with a few familiar places we usually stop at when were in town. Including places like Walmart where Michaela works, and a stop at Dollar Tree, gives the day that “real life” feel instead of something staged or overly planned.
I plan on taking photos along the way—especially casual ones with family, and even Mikayla’s dog—which would make sense for a day like this. Those kinds of pictures usually end up meaning more later because they’re not posed too carefully, they just capture everyone as they are in the moment. They will be perfect for the rebranding of the blog.
Lunch also sounds like part of the tradition, especially we like to try something different each time instead of repeating the same place. That kind of “let’s see what we find today” approach keeps the day flexible, which helps when were already moving between several stops.
Underneath all of that, though, there’s something a little more important than the route or the photos or even the food. Days like this tend to work best when the focus stays on the time I actually get with Charlie.
I try not to split my attention between different expectations or trying to separate moments that are already naturally blended together. When everyone is in the same place, even briefly, it often becomes less about organizing the day perfectly and more about letting it unfold without too much pressure.
If anything, the value of tomorrow is just that: being there, moving through it, and letting the moments happen without needing to control every part of it. If only Charlie would come home with us that would make the day perfect.
As a mom we have to pick our battles and Charlie is growing up and this is where he has chosen to live for the time being and I can’t change his mind. I do not have to like it but I have to let him Charlie make his own choices and try and respect them, so I don’t lose my son.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
