December 15th, 2010
Total Distance for today: 0 miles
Total Distance for Tour: approx. 553 miles
LOCATION: Tour Paused for Holidays in Raleigh, NC. I’m visiting with family, friends, and fans back in Fowlerville, MI
STATUS: SURPRISE!
Surprise!
That was the basic sentiment of the day, as I flew in for an unexpected holiday visit to my family back home. Since schools will be closing for the holidays, Dillon and I decided it didn’t make sense for me to continue on with the tour while I can’t speak. At the same time, we didn’t want to just sit there in Raleigh. We thought it made sense to make an appearance back home while we pause for the holiday season.
When we purchased the tickets in early December, Dillon suggested that I surprise my parents. I thought it would be fun and decided to do it. I must say: I really had to be tricky to keep this one a secret. First of all: I couldn’t tell you, my faithful followers about it, because I knew my parents would obviously see it on the blog. Second: I had to hire some eyes and ears back home to make sure everything would be in order when I came back home (no impromptu trip by my parents or anything). Thanks sis! Third: I had to deceive and disappoint my parents every time they suggested I come home on the phone! 😉
Our flight left Raleigh at 6:15 AM and connected in Atlanta. I didn’t sleep the night before, so it was a bit rough, but totally worth it. It was really hilarious, when I met my dad. He was expecting to just meet my sister, Kendall, at Arby’s for lunch. I entered the restaurant in front of her and literally got within two feet of him before he did the best double take I’ve ever seen and realized I was there! I’ve never seen my dad so shocked and happy at the same time.
My mom’s reaction did not disappoint either. She was at work talking to my dad, when I just waltzed right in and asked where the nearest McDonald’s was! She looked at me with the most shocked look ever, screamed, through the book and pen she was holding, and jumped up to give me a hug. Of course there was crying, laughter, and all of the expected sounds of joy when someone comes home unexpectedly from a long journey! 😉
All in all, it was a fantastic day, and I gotta give Dillon Props: It was definitely a great idea to surprise them. If only I hadn’t forgot the Flip cam in the RV! I would have shared this priceless/hilarious/touching footage with you. Alas! BTW, Fans of Freedom: Since I’m home for the holidays, perhaps we should plan to meet and celebrate together at some point. Hmmm…
