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One of the best trips I ever took was with my mom to a women’s Bible conference in Anaheim. It was during the time of the Rodney King riots. It was 1992, so I must have been about 24 years old. I remember driving into Los Angeles and pulling to the side of the freeway because of the hundreds of National Guard tanks heading in the same direction. I distinctly remember questioning whether it was worth traveling in this direction, toward conflict, just to be with Jesus and His church.
My mom seemed fearless. She wanted to push on, be there with her people, and draw closer to Christ. She was brave, and I’m sure I’m brave today because of her example. Once there, we met women who lived in the area most hit by the riot. They told of how they got to the conference by crawling on their stomachs, hoping not to be seen, just to get out of their neighborhood just to be with Jesus and His people.
Just. Ah, there’s the rub.
My mom traveled, moved, rolled, scooted, shimmied, and crawled toward the people of Jesus. It didn’t matter the struggle. She would gladly concur with the English evangelical Anglican bishop. R.C. Ryle, when he writes, “What are the lives of all the saints, but records of battles?”
This blog records her battle and victory, spending eternity with Jesus and His people.
-Tricia
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Following Cliff on Facebook will probably give you a better picture of our trip than reading what I have to say. Although he tells you what we have done and where we have been, I tend to focus on bathrooms and ramps. Speaking of ramps, I must admit I love all of my in-laws. They are quick to love, pray, and support us. It feels as though they are on this ALS journey with us.
Betty (Cliff’s sister) and her husband Bob met us in Spokane and traveled with us to Kalispell. They are always good company. I enjoy our visits with them. They are easy to be with. When we got to Kalispell, a warm welcome awaited us from Doyle (Cliff’s brother) and his wife, Eunice. Doyle had arranged a ramp for me to get in the front door, took off the bathroom door in their bedroom (another bathroom story), and Eunice planned a special potluck dinner with all their kids and grandkids. I loved all the hugs I got from them.
I know Cliff feels like I do. They are a special family, and we feel loved and supported by each of them. Kathy also was amazed by their love and graciousness. The last time Cliff and I were with them, in October 2011, we were both still reeling from my diagnosis. Doyle and Eunice gave us a safe place to process, cry and pray. Their home is peaceful and in a beautiful setting that provides a comfort that is difficult to find.
Kathy and I agree the visit to Kalispell has been a highlight of our travels. Yellowstone was great, Old Faithful was awesome, and we loved the buffalo looking at all of us tourists as they slowly meandered across the street, stopping traffic both ways. I am sure they were chuckling to each other, thinking they had all the control and power. They did.
Having my sister with us on this trip was a true blessing. We could not have done it without her. She is a consummate caregiver and a great traveling companion. She could also tell you bathroom stories since she was with me in every one of them. Each day Kathy helped me with those basic daily routines. She knows the days I felt weak, tired, or a little frustrated. Traveling, or road-tripping as I call it, can be tiring but well worth the energy. I love my sister. She is a good friend. Thank you, Kathy.
The best part of car-tripping is with family and friends. But, unfortunately, there is never enough time, and I always want to bottle up all those hugs, emotions, and kisses to keep with me. I think that is what God must feel like when we spend time with Him. This is what gets us through dark times: love of God, love of family, and love of friends.
–Susan
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