wedding road trip

A Brick in the Window

There’s nothing like seeing the adult version of an eight-year-old that you used to babysit to make you realize that yes indeedy, you are getting old.

On our way to Denver, Chris and I made a stop in Boulder to see Kat and Lindy, two California transplants that are basically like a second family to me. Back in 1999 (yes, people lived that long ago), Lindy called a friend of mine to ask her to babysit. My friend couldn’t take the job, so I got the gig. I was hooked the second that eight-year-old Kat (then Katie) challenged me to a no-holds-barred game of Monopoly, which she then proceeded to win.

Now Kat’s nineteen and studying astronomy at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She dispenses relationship advice that’s wise beyond her years, including her own personal motto of “life is too short to have issues with anybody.” Lindy works in human resources and tries to keep Kat from getting into too much trouble. After an hour of catching up with Kat, I sensed that this is not the world’s easiest job. I have always admired Lindy, who has been a single mom since Kat was eight. Their relationship is enviable- more like sisters and friends than the traditional mother/daughter dynamic.

I think the coolest thing Kat shared with us had to do with her ROTC friends at Boulder. Kat is part of a military fraternity that gives its members special bricks to place in their windows. That way, if a fellow member is traveling, he or she always knows that there is a place to stay when the going gets tough. In some ways, it reminded me of the attitude people have had about our Wedding Road Trip. It still blows my mind that Nate, a guy who I hadn’t seen since junior high school, happily welcomed Chris and me in his home.

It’s this kind of generous spirit that will keep America going through the tough times- long after we’ve stopped being able to afford every new iPod, cell phone, and laptop. I think when Chris and I finally move in together after we get married, I may find a brick of our own.

Tags: boulder road trip, colorado road trip, day 7 boulder