Plans Go Awry

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (Robert Burns). This quote repeats itself in my mind after a “plans-go-awry weekend” and again today while we wait in a doctor’s office. Laurence took off work a week and a half ago to come here. First, we couldn’t get in the building, and then when we did, the door to the doctor’s office stayed locked. Frustrated, we went home. Laurence found the appointment card. I’m the one who put the wrong date on the calendar.

Back up to the wedding weekend. Sam had a car booked. I’d get off from work early. We’d arrive in PA in plenty of time to prepare for the pre-wedding activities, a seamless plan that eased all anxiety.

“The best laid plans go awry.” No rental cars were available. Zero! (Sorry, we didn’t check Turo.) It’s Sam’s story to tell how they arrived in PA. Plan B: We’d ride with the Reuben Akinyombo family, which included Dad and Mom, three children, and Papa. I contacted Laurence, but once more gave him the wrong information. Laurence is not connected to his phone, a good thing except when I’m trying to reach him.

My anxiety mounted. The two Akinyombo children who I work with and I did manage to meet hubby with the luggage. I should not have fretted. We four reached the mission. All the while, I’m calculating time. It looked like we were doing okay. Reuben said they’d be at the mission soon. However, they were on African time or maybe, held up by traffic going to the Yankee game.

Laurence said, “I’m not going if I’m squished.

I said, “I’m not going if you’re not.” Staying home looked appealing, but when the bride’s parents messaged, I did feel quite wanted at the wedding so . . .Time marched on. The Akinyombo children merrily ate lunch.

Mid-afternoon, we all climbed in with the driver for PA. Laurence wasn’t too squished. We traveled at a good speed. I was hopeful. I did not take into account restroom breaks, change clothes stop, and then when we’re already quite late, someone needed a pharmacy. Mostly, I’d decided to roll with it, trying not to think how we’d get home after the wedding.

We made it to the pre-wedding supper while the guests were still going through the line. We rode with the Daramolas to the motel where we spent the night, had breakfast with them the next morning, and they took us to the wedding. (Thank you!)

The wedding was truly lovely. We were so happy to be there. Afterwards, we hung out at Brother Benns with some of our favorite people. Sundaymar made us supper. (Vicki Eck and I are craving more Liberian food!) This all means that it was late afternoon before Sams and we climbed in with Brother Benn. Traffic going into the city was heavy. Benn entertained us with his skillful driving, and I laughed more than I likely have in years.

Nothing went as planned, but we made memories that will last forever, and perhaps I learned a lesson.

Berniece