Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip
CHAPTER 12: PLANS VERBALIZED
“Don’t let anyone tell you that small town America doesn’t teach you anything,” her mother had warned as she packed for her 1st year of college. “Some people just do not understand the benefits & lessons a life in a small town can teach.”
“But, Mom,” she had quietly protested, “college & city life teaches you things, too.”
Her Mom had tried to interrupt, but she continued: “…And I want to experience THOSE lessons. I want to be where people are.”
“People ARE here, you know,” her Mom finally got a word in edgewise. “Your father & I meet people every day, right along 1 of the most-famous roads in all of the United States, Route 66. Where else are you going to talk with such a diverse group of people & learn some history at the same time?”
“College,” came her 1-word dead-panned reply. Her Mom just shook her head & kept helping her pack.
Remembering that conversation now, the middle sibling knew they both were right. She was equally convinced they both came to know that in time, whether either actually verbalized that or not.
She wished her parents were still around to share in what might become an epic family road trip. She knew going with her brothers would be a good idea, particularly to see relatives in Dwight IL. Still, she knew she had responsibilities on the home front & a road trip probably wasn’t in the works. Besides, she thought, her brothers didn’t need their sister tagging along. While she liked entertaining the thought of a road trip, the thought of missing visitors at the family business was tough to take, too.
She was still trying to figure out what exactly to say in response to her older brother’s query when the youngest sibling came out of the office.
“So, what do you think, sis?” he asked.
“Uh…,” she stammered, glancing at her elder brother, turning back to her younger sibling & quickly realizing he was asking about why he was back home. “Well, I think it is a great idea. It’d be wonderful if WSM would allow you to broadcast from various places along Route 66.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for,” he replied. “I’m not too keen on starting IN Chicago, but I have a few places I really want to see in Chicagoland along Route 66. And, I want to spend a few days with our relatives in Dwight IL. I found out they live right near where Route 66 connects to Illinois Route 47. How cool is that? I also found out they have friends in Franklin Grove IL, where the Lincoln Highway national headquarters are. I think I convinced them to look into buying a business along Route 66 there in northern Illinois.”
He paused, then added, “You know, if this trip gets off the ground, you both should really come with me. It’d be great.”
Their sister glanced at the eldest sibling, who glanced back at her.
“Well,” the eldest spoke, turning his glance from his sister to his brother, “That’s kinda what I meant when I told you earlier this morning that we’d talk more later. I’ve been thinking about taking a Route 66 road trip, & I figured we’d go together. Don’t know about sis, though.”
She felt put on the spot a bit, as her 2 brothers turned to look directly at her. “I’d love to, but I really want to stay here with the business & greet people. Besides, I have my family responsibilities, too.”
As soon as she had uttered her last word, a few visitors walked into the business, a start to another awesomely busy day of people from all over the world visiting.