And he's off. Again.

Saturday, 5:28 pm

By Kate

Jun

17

2006

The last two days have been a blur of unpacking from the lad’s camping trip and packing for his trip to New Orleans. Between times, there have been mad dashes to the store to secure needed items like waterproof sandals, sun screen and blocker (Balmex with zinc oxide is great for the nose), bug repellent, and a gross of socks. A couple of hours ago, we finished up. He had his backpack loaded with sleeping bag, sleeping mat, thin blanket, tee shirts and shorts, work boots and gloves, cheapo transistor radio that came with the sunscreen, and all the toiletries required to keep one relatively civilized in high heat and high humidity. The last items packed were two new pens and a brand new Moleskine Sketchbook into which I inserted the note:

With this journal, take snapshots with words. Draw quick sketches to aid memory. Write snippets of conversation. Keep your eyes and ears open to see what others take for granted, what others miss, what’s beneath the surface. Be alert. Listen. Watch. Engage people. Be helpful. Work hard. Above all, be kind.

He’s a writer. In his soul. And on paper. What an opportunity he has in the next two weeks to be apart from what he knows and thrust into a completely new environment with new eyes. On his own, yet not. He recognizes the opportunity, but also knows he’s going to be dog tired at the end of each day. We’ll see what he gives and what he receives and what he brings home from his experiences.

His Dad came to pick him up a while ago. They were going to celebrate an early Father’s Day and check over the items he’s taking to make sure he’s not missing anything. His flight leaves tomorrow morning and he’ll be on his way. The Dad was oddly nervous. Usually he is the serene, unruffled one. This time he’s nervous and a little apprehensive, while I’m calm. My Mom radar hasn’t detected anything to be worried about. For once. I think the lad will be fine. He has a good head on his shoulders and he knows how to navigate from Point A to Point B if the unexpected should crop up. He has his cell phone and he has the addresses and phone numbers he needs, just in case.

He’ll check in once he’s there and, over the course of two weeks, he may even shoot his parents an email. I was surprised to learn the community he’s volunteering with has internet access. Just for quick communication, but access all the same.

So he’s off on an adventure and what an adventure it will be. I may be just the slightest bit envious, I think.