week 38, post 1: anniversary

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of our SAMHSA team arrival in Houma. Bob Walsh and I arrived at Audrey's B&B at about 5pm, and went to Boudreau's and Thibodeaux's for supper. So yesterday was a day for remembrance and a little nostalgia. I stopped by Bob and Audrey's for coffee in the morning, and ate supper with friends Elaine and Tommy at B&T's. When Bob and I got back from supper, Lowell and Steve had arrived. Gay was still lost in LA somewhere on her drive from OK, and would arrive sometime after 11:00.

We were a great team; we worked hard, cared well for evacuees, cared well for each other, enjoyed Audrey's enthusiasm and Bob's quiet, steady support.

Little did I know a year later, I'd still be here, hard at work and savoring the good memories of the life and work we lived here together in Bayou Country. Tonight I'm gonna go to da Jolly Inn, play my rub board, dance a little and celebrate the Spirit of the Adventure we call life and how, sometimes when life doesn't turn out like we'd planned it, it actually turns out a lot better.

There's a spiritual principle there. It's good to have goals and make plans and work hard toward their fulfillment -- as long as we understand that control is always an illusion and that surprise and change are the essence of life and that flexibility and creativity are essential.

Hang in there. Hang loose. Enjoy the journey. Sing and dance a little along the way. Make sure you've got good companions for the trip.

Peace, Warren