ROLLING STONE | A 50 OVER 50 STORY

Part Five

Driving across the country without a real destination gave Gladys time to think, a chance to visit places she'd always wanted to see, and the ability to stop for photographs.

For her fortieth birthday, Bobby bought her a beautiful camera with all the bells and whistles. For a little while, she took it with her everywhere. Over time, life intruded and she packed it away.

It was one of the items she kept.

She was somewhere in Iowa when a gorgeous view opened up through the tree line along the highway.

A few minutes later, she entered a quaint little town called Clinton and stopped at the first grocery store she saw. Climbing down from the RV with her purse, she took a moment to stretch her legs.

"Pretty little place," she murmured. "Lord. Gonna ask that you guard me from anyone who means me harm...and people taking surveys. You know patience is my weakest virtue. Thank you. Amen."

Checking that her home was locked, she entered the store and grabbed a cart. The produce was so pretty that she bought more than she needed. After picking out a nice steak and a bottle of wine, she headed for the register.

Dropping a few candy bars in the basket on impulse, she didn't allow a whisper of guilt.

As the cashier rang up her purchases, Gladys asked, "What's the river running along the town?"

"That's the Mississippi, ma'am."

"No kidding. It's beautiful. Do you have a campground around here? One that takes RVs?"

"Sure do." She gave directions that wouldn't be hard to follow and handed Gladys her receipt with a bright smile. "You'll like it here, ma'am. Real quiet and friendly. You have a nice day."

"I will." She glanced at the girl's name tag. "Same to you, Sandy. Don't work too hard if you can help it."

The young woman chuckled. "I try to avoid it."

"That's the spirit."

Gladys grabbed her grocery bags and returned to the RV. It didn't take but a few minutes to put everything away and do a quick straighten of the camper's interior.

She wanted to get some pictures of the surrounding area. Might as well set up at a spot and relax for a couple of days.

It wasn't like she had anywhere to be.

Over the three weeks she'd been on the road, her children had not called. They'd texted her multiple times about selling their birthright out from under them and getting rid of everything their father loved.

She'd received another string of accusations and such that very morning. Since leaving home, Gladys let them go on in their family chat but it was about time that she replied.

Sitting in the driver's seat, she settled her reading glasses on her nose.

I thought I was clear. Nothing your father and I bought or created belongs to you. When I die, whatever is left will be yours. Not a moment sooner.

As for the house you grew up in - you couldn't wait to get away from it. Now you'll never have to go back. The things I sold and donated belonged to your father - and he would understand me purging things to start over even if you don't.

I'm doing fine, by the way. I'm safe, not that you asked. I love being on the road and I'm not going to stop any time soon.

In my life, I've tried to be present for others. I have always been there for the two of you, your father, our families, our friends, our church, our community.

Now, I am taking time and opportunity for myself.

Your judgment will not change my mind. Your cruelty and greed disgust me. Do better. You are loved even if you are not liked much at the moment.

Sending the message, she removed her glasses and buckled up. Glancing around, she found the side exit the cashier mentioned and drove to it. The state park campground was located a ways outside town but that was just fine.

Gladys preferred isolation to the parking lot sort of RV places. They gave her peace, quiet, time to think, and fewer people to deal with for the most part.

People, she was coming to realize, were overrated.  

© Shayne McClendon