On the Road

         In general vacation trips with my family are fun,but the hot button between Chad and me is that he will not ask for directions. I know this is perfectly normal for a guy, but when we are lost and he won’t admit it, I get worried.

         We were headed to Maine that day. Chad insisted “I looked at the map and I know exactly where we we’re going.” But when miles went by without a route sign, I started to wonder. “We’re on the right road,” he said. I knew better than to suggest asking someone.

         Finally there was a route sign but it was not the number we were looking for. When we stopped for gas, I timidly suggested that he ask for directions.

         He said “No! I know where we are.”

         I took the kids to the bathroom. I wish they were boys so Chad would have to take them. I bought them soda and a coffee for myself, and then I did a terrible thing. “We’re looking for route nine,” I said to the woman serving me coffee.

         “Route nine! You’re headed away from there.”

         I knew it! “How do we get there?”

         “Turn around and go back the way you came until you get to the traffic circle and then take 9-A east. When you come to the intersection just follow the signs.” I thanked her.

         Back in the car I gathered my courage. “Chad, we’re going the wrong way. We have to go back to the traffic circle and take 9-A from there.”

         “Who told you that?”

         “The woman in the store.”

         “You asked her?”

         “Yes I did.” He gave me that ‘you traitor’ look.

         “What makes you think she knows anything?”

         “She works and lives around here.”

         “If you want us to really get lost; ask the locals for directions. They tell you something whether they know or not.”

         Chad unfolded the map. He studied it upside down and right side around. Then he said, “Okay, I see it now. We took a wrong turn at that traffic circle. All we have to do is go back there and take 9-A.”

         You have to love him.

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