EPILOGUE: March 12, 2008

I got the window seat in an exit row on this Alaska flight back to Portland. Good thing, because Frank could block me from the other passengers view during takeoff, while I had the best cry of my life! It all started when I handed off my boarding pass to the kind-faced flight attendant. I said, “I’m going home!” It’s release time. We no longer are tasking, or particularly focused, or trying to stay safe or beat the weather and the clock. I wouldn’t allow myself the luxury of being homesick much during the entire tour, and now I realized just how strong those feelings were.

Looking out this airplane window, I remember what I said in Concordia, Kansas. The late afternoon sun is hitting the clouds with an orange glow, as I spot a patchwork of greens and browns through a milky mist far below. “There’s a lot of good stuff down there!” is what I told my audiences, after revealing that I was a first-timer in all these places. The pilot came on and mentioned some towns along our way. They’re like new friends now!

Yesterday we made it all 600 miles to my brother Randy’s house, the last three blocks being the hardest. I could see the redbrick second story from down the street, and I wanted to get out and run the rest of the way! That familiar big brother hug was like crossing the finish line. We also had a nice visit with Julie and Ross, and it almost felt as if this whole thing was just a dream. Randy took our picture, as promised, to compare it to the “before tour” photo, to see if we’d aged. Well, two months with a little fatigue thrown in, and some well-warn clothes. Our faces looked content, though.

This morning we spread all our stuff out on their garage floor to pack for the plane. It looked like a bomb hit, once again! Each of us was allowed two checked bags, not to exceed 50 pounds each. We were also allowed two carry-ons, with all the applied rules and restrictions. What a puzzle! We had Frank’s bass, amplifier, CDs, a toy piano and bench, Video equipment, files and files of paperwork and clothes and costumes for two months and 36 concerts! It got down to taking pantyhose out of one suitcase and putting them into another just to come out ounces under 50 pounds each. We ended up giving some stuff to Randy.

At check-in, the ticket agent looked at our load and shook her head. She was sure we were overweight on at least some bags! Well, they all weighed in at only ounces less than 50 pounds. Still with a cart full of carry-on luggage, including Frank’s bass, we sauntered through the airport with time to kill. We did it!

It’s dusk now, as we’re flying over The Rockies. It’s hard to tell where the clouds stop and the snowcaps begin. It’s amazing now, how we’re conquering these jagged peaks with such ease! I know Delta and Canon City are down there, and some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen in my life.

Frank suggested that I put my Email address at the bottom of each page to make it easier for you all to respond. I would love to stay in touch with all of you who have read this blog, even the ones who had difficulty responding. So, here it is:
sallyeharmon@yahoo.com

We can keep these wonderful new friendships going!
God Bless!
Sally