A Bus and a Parade

Happy New Year!

How is it that, year in and year out, a new year still inspires and excites us so?

Renewal. Recharge. Rejuvenate.

A new start. A clean sheet.

I was once a twelve-year old. Seems like yesterday, but it was a bit longer ago than that. On that New Year's Day, my family woke very early - sunrise still hours away, and drove to Pasadena to attend the Rose Parade. Our blue and white 1967 Volkswagen Bus could hold 9 or 10 of us - so, it always did.

We packed into the bus, my parents, five kids, and a few cousins and friends -thrown in for good measure. The hour-plus drive felt three times that long as our excitement brewed. Finding a parking place is always hard in LA, but on this day? You can imagine. When we finally did find parking, we spilled out of that bus with blankets and chairs in tow and made our way to the parade route. After walking for what seemed like several miles, we found the perfect curbside spot and anxiously awaited the start of the parade, and waited and then, waited some more. Many of us slept - why not? The early morning was cool and we huddled close to stay warm. It was a wonderful way to wrap up a busy, holiday season.

The parade, of course, was phenomenal but my younger brothers and I got the biggest kick out of the guys who followed the horses with shovels and wagons - it truly was comedic, though - we couldn't help but feel sorry for them - laughing and being disgusted, at the same time.

When the parade was over, we made our way back to that bus - the loads we carried just a bit heavier now, as we had peeled off layers of clothing when the Southern California sun successfully heated up the parade route. We piled in once again, and began our trek home. As we pulled away at the end of another Thorn adventure, little did we know - this one was far from over.

We merged onto a packed freeway and about halfway into our ride home, that old bus sputtered and chugged. My mother threw a knowing look at my dad, "Out of gas? Really?" And on the freeway, no less. Some of us panicked, most of us laughed. This was typical for Dad.

My father safely navigated the car to the shoulder of the road and then he, my older brother, and a cousin jumped out and pushed while my mom steered us to the nearest off ramp. Luckily enough, we glided right into a waiting gas station. This was nothing new to my family; my dad often flew by the seat of his pants. My mother was less than thrilled but we all had learned to roll with my dad's gregarious and "risky" ways.

Now, many years later, it only sweetens the memory of my father and one particular New Year's Day long ago. The lesson? Sometimes, the unexpected is just another ingredient for joy and it is all in how you view it. Potentially disastrous, yes. But, ultimately, a silly and memorable event.

It could have been a messy end to a fun day, but we have laughed at this recollection of my dad so many times over the years. And to this day, every time I watch a parade or even say "Happy New Year," I am reminded of a blue and white VW Bus, pushed along a busy freeway, a stern look that melted into laughter, and a happy family time.

May your 2024 be filled with love and memories-in-the-making.

#Happy2024 #HappyNewYear