Blog # 2: Leaving Home

The day before I left home was full of preparation.  I had to pack all my things in the smallest little suitcase I’d ever seen! And then stuff that along with all the biggest suitcases I’d ever seen (those of my best friend, Colby) into the smallest trunk ever! We did get it all in there miraculously and were able to get the trunk closed.  Mom rounded up all the half empty bags of chips and crushed ice to fit into our thermos-like water bottles and put them in the fridge so they would be chilled in the morning.  I drove a 1995 white Honda Civic that my dad had sold to me for a few hundred bucks, so a good portion of the day before was spent tuning it up for the big drive.  I put air in the tires, changed the air filter, brakes, headlights, windshield wipers, and topped off all the fluids.  As night approached a few of my close friends came over to say bye.

I woke up at three or four in the morning and forced my legs to carry me to the shower.  The warm water wasn’t making it easier to wake up.  I got dressed in my room for the last time and brushed my teeth in my bathroom for the last time.  It was pretty weird honestly. Dad made me a couple egg sandwiches, like he always did before school, and told me to make sure I ate plenty of protein, then hugged me and told me he loved me.  Mom was scurrying around trying to find some more treats and was saying something about ‘boys and their crazy adventures’.   All my siblings had said their good byes the night before.  I grabbed by back pack and thanked my dad then hugged and kissed my mom, took the snacks from her thankfully and walked out to the car.  Of course they followed to the door way and watched as I threw my stuff into the back seat and got in.  I turned the key, revved the engine and with a cheesy wave and cheesier smile I left.

 I went to Colby’s house to pick him up and he was waiting outside with his parents.  His mom was a wreck.  His dad was even crying! I really didn’t know what to do so I just stood there awkwardly watching them huddled together.  Then she came at me! I was wrapped up in a wet teary hug before I had a chance to stick out my hand for a hand shake, the usual deterrent. His dad nodded to me and told me to drive safe.  We had never left home before and we honestly were a bit excited! We headed to get some gasoline and a few energy drinks at Dave’s Family Car Wash to keep us alive on the long road to the rest of our lives. As we drove off into the fresh morning, we reminisced about all the good times we were leaving there in the place we called home.  We were off to sell pest control in Kansas City, MO!!!