Third Time Through

Big McNally With Fries

In 1979 and 1980 my travelling companion and I thumbed across portions of North America seeking adventure and a realization of the American Experience. One of our travel tools was a large Rand McNally Road Map of North America.

Every traveler on our path who offered to give us a lift was asked to sign the road map. 

35 years later we still have that Rand McNally Road Atlas, a keepsake of our travels and documentation of the good intentions of 100's of kind folks willing to stop and ferry us further along our path.

Many of the signatures are barely legible after 35 years of neglect and due to the hurried nature of our need to capture rapid signatures as we were dropped off upon our path. If not for that, I might take upon myself a project to reach out on the Internet and thank those kind strangers who helped us along our way all those years ago.

Which causes me to reflect a bit on all the strangers,friends, and relatives who do stop and help us along our meandering path through life.  How full would my Rand McNally be if I had taken the time to gather the signature of every kind gentle soul who ever took the time to help guide me through the trials and tribulations of my life?

Similarly, how often would I appear in the Road Atlas of strangers that I may have helped reach their destinations?

My son-in-law shared his belief with me recently, telling me that there are angels all around us, both living and beyond the veil that stop and help us on our way.  I can not dispute this, for I have benefited from the kind hand of strangers numerous times. The ledger would be far to the left in the stranger's favor if compared to acts of kindness I may have proffered.

To all those who stopped and lifted me, whether listed on my Rand-Mac or not...I humbly and respectfully thank you. There but for strangers, I may still now be roadside and waiting.

Cheers, nca