what i remember of U09 seven months later, part II

december 25, 2009

seven months ago today, i was on my way to st. louis with kathy and a couple other co-workers. we met late morning and packed up in the national service center (IV headquarters) parking lot. the back of the van was full with our luggage, all the minute by minute binders and a life-sized wooden cross to use in one of the prayer rooms. also packed in the back were pre-activated credit cards for staff meals, about 100K worth. needless to say, dave drove very carefully that day.

from the car ride, i mostly remember munching on mike ikes and yapping a bit before falling asleep and letting becky, who was sitting shotgun, entertain dave. it was probably the best sleep i had in months.

the best part about that christmas day was when we drove into downtown st. louis. it was 7 or 8pm by the time we got to the city. the gateway arch slowly came into view. it was a familiar landmark, one i've seen many times before, though never at night. the silver arch lit up against the evening city backdrop was so beautiful that it almost brought me to tears.

maybe it was my imagination, but i thought i heard someone inside of me whisper, "welcome, daughter." that was how i knew that he was already here, at work, preparing to meet 16,000 of his children. it was a special moment, and i remember telling myself to cherish it. it was one of those rare peaceful and grounding moments in the otherwise hectic and busy week. even though i didn't know it then, the next few days after that drive were especially hellish. a couple hours after checking in the hotel i got into my first and only confrontation with a staff over a conflict of interest. it was a good thing i was too emotionally drained by that point to take it personally.

the last moment i cherish from that day was when kathy and i finally got in our hotel room. she opened the curtain and to our delight, our room was directly across the street from the america's center. i prayed a quick prayer for all the participants who will be crossing washington ave everyday that week. i went to bed that day hesitantly excited for the upcoming days.