June 2 – “Day Sixteen: Greeted by a Crisis”

We left Arnold early and set our sights south … and on an interstate no less.  I think someone might need a grandbaby fix.  No names being mentioned here.

The drive got so boring today that we picked a random place to stop: Diebold Orchards in Benton, Missouri.  Three or four big greenhouses with all kinds of plants.  I know Chris was truly suffering on this one.  Sadly, they were plants that could never survive a journey into Texas.  Chris did see her new favorite bush, though.  It was called an agave.  This one was planted in 1922.  It looked like a giant oversized aloe vera to me.  Strangely, there was an antique mall right next door and Chris didn’t even make a move in that direction.  I’ll have to watch her temperature.  She may be getting sick.

The drive after Diebold didn’t get any less boring.  We even stopped at both the Missouri and Arkansas welcome centers.  I dozed off and on.  Chris forged ahead.  We finally switched interstates in West Memphis, Arkansas.  This new one was in terrible condition, but I guess it helped Chris stay awake.  And by switching roads we missed all the food stops.  Had to drive an extra 30 or 40 miles to eat.  She did let me drive for a little while, though. 

We finally stopped for the night in none other than … Texarkana, Texas.  Home.  But right after I checked in and returned to the car to unload, Chris was on the phone with Josh.  He was headed to the emergency room with Christi.  She has been having an extreme headache for the last few days, so they were getting it checked out.  We offered to forego the hotel stay and head right on there, but he assured us the boys were covered for the night.  If Google Siri is telling the truth, we’ll be there within 4 hours in the morning.  I think Chris in particular needs a good night’s sleep before a run like that. 

We did hear back that they were giving her fluids and some stronger pain meds.  They also did a CT scan and found out she has a brain.  Awesome news, Christi.  They even sent her home to recuperate.  Nurse Nani is still chomping at the bit to be there, though.

Hotel Rating: Well this Comfort Suites is not bad at all.  Cheapest rate we have had this entire trip, for one thing.  Great room.  King size bed and a couch.  Indoor pool (but it’s only 3 feet deep.  We can’t do any of the exercises in waist deep water).  I’m leaning toward a four starfish, pending breakfast.

Malachi 4:2 says, “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

Father, please ease Christi’s pain.  Give Josh and the boys a peace that passes understanding.  And give the doctors wisdom to know the right course of action.  Oh, and give us safe travels there.  Amen.