Road Trip

The fifteen seater van , if viewed at this moment could be seen barreling down the freeway at top speed. If one was curious enough to peer through the van windows, one would be convinced the vehicle was headed to the nearest asylum, but the van contained me and my large italian family on one of our cross country road trips. The contagious madness inside the van only grew with each state we passed..
I still don't understand why he did what he did, but my father gave six children the authority to remove our seatbelts early on in the trip. So the chaos was not the ordinary seat-belt contained chaos that normally occures with children in cars. We were, at our release, the motherload! All at once, we became crazed with the unexpected freedom. Bodies tumbled, screams let out, and feet of every size were flying over the seats, bodies attached helplessly to them. It seems as though I can still feel the wind through my hair, as my brothers tossed me from one seat to another.
After awhile, our bodies needed somewhat of a rest, so we resorted to performing for the passing spectators in their own vehicles. My three brothers managed to stuff nearly every hole in their heads with straws and toilet paper, hoping to leave the onlookers with the impression that we might be a herd of insane walrus's. As we pressed our heads against the windows, the reactions we recieved were always dramatic, and some drivers even looked frightened; and with that, we were quite pleased with ourselves.
I find myself recalling adventures like these in my childhood quite often. My brothers and sisters have provided so many treasured memories for me to daydream about during my journey through life, bringing a comfort and peaceful calm to my soul. I also recall everything we have gone through together; the good and the bad. Each trial or hardship, along with memories like the latter, have only made us stronger and better equipped to endure what life has brought, and continues to bring our way. My siblings taught me the importance of unconditional love and closeness in family relationships at a pivitel time in my life. I needed Gabriel, Micah, Anna, Wendy, and Eddie each day as I was growing up, and am truly blessed to have their influence be apart of each day I am given.