My Trip to Southport

Over my birthday weekend I had the privilege of driving my Nana down to Southport, NC for 5 days to visit my Uncle Skip and Aunt Barb. We went solo (e.g. no kids), and my in-laws were very generous with their time and helped Geoff take care of the kids in my absence. We drove a brand new Ford Taurus rental car (Nana initially wanted a luxury car but only BMWs and Mercedes were available, and she won’t drive either since they are German-made – those feelings rooted from her WWII experiences and strong patriotism). So, a Ford we took, which was also a good choice in her mind because they didn’t take any bailout money from the federal government.  She has strong opinions.

On our journey down south we listened to 6 lectures on the life and writings of the famous theologian, C.S. Lewis – they were fascinating and made the drive go by quickly. Nana learned all about Bluetooth technology that only frightened her half a dozen times when I received an incoming call through the speakers. She also had Chick-fil-a for the first time ever! I’m serious. I thought everyone below the Mason-Dixon line had been exposed to the goodness that is called “Chick-fil-a”. Around our house, that’s almost the only place we go to get something out to eat. She loved it (of course!). By the time we made it to the rest area, and she had the toilet automatically flush on her, she declared, “This is too much. I think I’m ready for the next life.” She smiled jokingly, but I think between the Bluetooth, GPS and automatic flushing, it was a little much for an almost 89 year old.

Once arriving to the beautiful town of Southport, we were wined and dined by my aunt and uncle who are wonderful cooks and quite the wine connoisseurs. They don’t watch a lot of TV, which is fine by me, so we read a lot, and I worked some. We did watch My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn and The Artist throughout the weekend – both very good and virtually free of bad language, which my Nana also has trouble listening to. Maybe that’s where I get my sensitivity to all things vulgar from.

I thoroughly enjoyed having some quietness, and especially appreciated the time I had with my Nana. She is largely wheelchair bound, and I was able to experience with her the challenges of that, but it also gave us opportunities to be with each other to get ready for the day and prepare to go to bed. She continues to live with a positive spirit, a desire to keep learning and a faith in God I didn’t know she had or didn’t appreciate when I was younger.

Our journey home allowed us to finish the rest of the C.S. Lewis lectures, make another trip to Chick-fil-a (I won her over!) and to a rest stop. We had some discussion on politics, which naturally arose when she asked if we could listen to Rush Limbaugh (not my favorite because I find him so polarizing). It was quite a trip, and I’m thankful for the memories made. She’s quite a lady!

Celebrating my birthday at Fishy Fishy right on the water in Southport. 

Me, Aunt Barb, Uncle Skip and Nana.

30 birthday candles on a homemade almond cake. Yum!

My sweet Nana.