Unexpected Detours

Sometimes in our lives we encounter detours. Detours are usually never planned. I used to be so uptight and down right cranky when plans got a kink. But…I’ve changed. Detours are part of life. Now when I find myself on a detour I slow down and enjoy the unexpected, it’s always there and will always add at least a paragraph to the story of your life.

Yesterday was a special day. A very dear life long friend was celebrating his birthday and I was honored to be invited to help him celebrate.

I had made plans with Jeannie, who lives in our home town of Okemah, to ride together to the party. Jeannie is usually running a bit late and I’m usually running a bit early so we figured between the two of us it would work out. Anyway, she called me around noon to let me know she would need an extra 30 minutes. Smiling to myself, I told her it would be okay and that I would just take the scenic route (Route 66 from Sapulpa to Bristow). It’s a great drive especially if you have a zippy car!

Off I go….fill up the car, wash the car, Sonic pop, I’m ready. I did get behind a pokey person for a while but all in all nice drive to Bristow. Checking my clock I noticed that as usual I would have about 15 extra minutes and thought I’d use it to drive around Okemah. Then I saw it! HWY 48 South closed. If you are familiar with this part of the state then you know that doesn’t leave you many options on how to get from Bristow to Okemah. I chose to drive Route 66 on to Stroud, down to Prague then back track to Okemah. When I got to Stroud it was 2:00. That’s when I called Jeannie. “Uh, Jeannie….just wanted to let you know that I’m running a bit late….detour….laughing…take your time…more laughing… (I think she was thankful for the ADDITIONAL time!)
The drive from Stroud to Prague is a very nice drive; I’ve done it many times going to Shawnee. I turned back east on Hwy 62 and that’s when I slowed down. You see, it occurred to me that I had no memory of ever driving this road though I was sure I had as a child/teenager. I cannot describe what a beautiful drive it is. I’m sure if you live down around there and drive it all the time then you are like most of us that travel the same roads everyday, you don’t see it…the beauty and diversity. I was lovin’ it! As I came into the small town of Paden I noticed 3 very different churches clustered together and then I saw it….the sign said, “The People of Truth” and a big arrow pointing north. I chuckled and said out loud, “Wow, I need to be with them,” then thought about the sign some more and wondered, “What does THAT mean?” I had a hunch I knew what it meant…..
I continued on through Boley and thought of all the great stories my Daddy tells of working around there, especially two, one about a dog bite while reading a meter and the other about almost getting shot off a pole (as in shot gun!). I soon saw the hot & cold water towers of Okemah and arrived at Jeannie’s just a few minutes before three.

We left Okemah and headed to Norman. Needless to say, we talked all the way, I don’t even remember going by Shawnee. Somewhere just past Harrah I told her that I hadn’t paid any attention to where we were… more laughing…

I had a wonderful evening reconnecting with friends from my childhood. Good food, good drinks, wonderful Lemon Cake (thanks Cathy!), much laughter and a few tears. We hated to tear ourselves away but knew we must get back on the road home.

Now, if you are wondering how I got home from Okemah in the almost wee hours of the morning….Henryetta, Kathryn….you see she has a spare bedroom that she calls Elizabeth’s room and the bed always has fresh sheets on it. So, I was up even later telling her all my tales.

P.S. Jeff pointed out shortly after we arrived that Jeannie was the first to arrive at a party….miracles do happen!
P.S.S. Thank you Jeff for including me in your celebration! It was an honor to be with you as you joined the 50 club. And I might add that you did it with style! Love Liz