My husband and I recently returned from a brief getaway. A road trip down the coast of California. Besides looking for buried treasures along the beach, one of our favorite things is taking time to meet fellow travelers. Whether it’s the restaurant cashier or another wandering soul, we love hearing their stories.

This trip was no different. From the woman in the park pushing her two Shih Tzu pups in a stroller to the young woman trying to entice me to buy her miracle undereye cream. The trip was filled with unique individuals. Each had their own stories. The woman, a widow walking her pups to escape the emptiness she fills in her apartment alone. The saleswoman, an Israeli immigrant working in Carmel by way of Mexico, escaping the ravages of war. But on this trip, two women touched our lives. They introduced themselves as Thelma and Louise and their lives explain the theatrical reference.

The first time we saw them was in the deli section of the Super Walmart. They were busy searching for fruit and a cheese platter. I overheard their brief conversation, “Wouldn’t it be easier to go to…” “No, I don’t want to go to another restaurant. Let’s just find something.” 

The next time we met was in the hotel lobby. We were looking for paper plates and plasticware. As we walked to the elevator they shared they’d been traveling for 2 1/2 weeks, from New York to California on a girl’s getaway. They talked about being friends since 6th grade and driving the nuns crazy with their childhood determination. These two pieces of information set the foundation of their incredible tale. We exited the elevator together and I pointed them in the direction of their room. They offered a “Good night.” I returned the salutation.

The following morning, we found them sitting in the lobby, coffee cups in hand. They were planning the route for the day. I offered a ‘Good morning, hope you slept well!” They returned my greeting and for the next 30 minutes, they filled in the mystery of their 50+ year friendship. The impetus for driving across the country and back.

Their childhood dreams entwined. One went to college and started a career. The other made a career out of managing her home. Both married New York firefighters, raised children, and then faced the unimaginable. 

On September 11, 2001, their husbands rushed into the Twin Towers to save lives. Both men returned home wearing the scars of that evil day. Both died years later, one by cancer. The other while sleeping in the curve of his wife’s body. She woke just as he took his last breath, a heart attack.

These women lived big lives, full lives, and now hold on to one another in the sorrow of their losses. Their tears still flow as they share their stories. Their rage still visible as they spoke of the horrors of 9/11. Yet, on several occasions, they giggled when finishing each other sentences and offered reassuring smiles through the difficult story-telling. There was hope, even in the broken memories.

They spoke of being tired, weary from the journey. But I’m guessing it’s more than the 3,000+ miles they’ve driven. It’s the living, the dying, the moving forward that wears a person down.

They left that morning, moving east across California and then sweeping through the top of the country, making it home by October 19, just in time for a grandson’s confirmation. 

What a gift.

As we left the lobby that morning, one of the women shared, “You know, we drove right up to the edge of the Grand Canyon, looked at each other,  and knew we had so much more to live for.” That day they committed to keep going, despite their pasts, and with full understanding that moving forward holds its own challenges and grief. But regardless of what was ahead, their history had taught them they would make it through.

As you face the tough obstacles and the glorious moments that make up your life, I pray you have people who walk with you, provide comfort, and offer encouragement. I hope you can reflect on your journey and see the hand of God orchestrating your every step, those seemingly random encounters with total strangers that provide a glimmer of hope. And after doing so, you commit to moving forward, one step at a time, with anticipation as to what lies around the corner.

Be Blessed,

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12