Re-entry

July 20, 2011 by Carl McDonald

July 20, 2011

I’m uncomfortable and feeling out of place in my own skin. I’m riding in the bus today to Portland and visiting with the driver as we travel the narrow two lane roadways that wind their way back into the forests of Oregon. I keep looking at the road flying by at what seems like incredible speed.

It’s not a forest anymore, it’s a blur of green instead.

I can’t smell the fresh air from here, sense the moisture, know the flowers and breathe in the shady coolness. Not through this giant window with its “vista view”.

I cannot hear it. The birds and their morning calls; the rustle of the leaves betraying a cool wind, the melody of a spring flowing off the hillside. Instead, I hear the drone of the bus motor way in the back.

I cannot feel the shadows and the sun as they alternately dapple my skin. The road is cushioned by an air-ride that imitates some unnatural motion. The pavement is never this smooth. This is altered too much. I hope I don’t become sickened by the motion.

Where we were only concerned with sunrise and sunset before, now there are deadlines to meet, packing to be done, and closing times to worry about.

I can’t sleep on this bus, I wish I could.

This is going to be a difficult re-entry.

Posted in Living the life | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on July 20, 2011 at 10:13 pm Princess

Dude…Life Changing Event Alert! We were all wondering how you would come down from the Ride High you’ve experienced. Like the story prompting the journey, we will remain clueless….but will welcome you with open arms on the descent.
on July 21, 2011 at 6:11 am Penny Landregan

It’s definitely got to be a let down from your months on the bike – you in full control.
Just relax and enjoy the fruit of your labors. I look forward to meeting you here in
Amelia Island this Sunday evening. You and Sallie have become my heros!
on July 21, 2011 at 8:34 am Tom Adams

More beautiful prose, good job on all of it!
on July 21, 2011 at 10:38 am Mary Baker

aaahh…reading your re-entry blog reminded me of the last flight of the shuttle and the quote I found online by one observer…..
“A lot of people fail to appreciate the significance of what has been achieved.”
Not me Carl and Sallie….I know what you’ve done is amazing and I know in time(probably not right now) you will have your land legs and your purpose. I thank you, my family thanks you for riding in Brendan’s name and I know MADD thanks you. But, there’s a little girl smiling down on you and it doesn’t get better than that “thank you” does it??!! Welcome to the rest of your journey. Mary Baker
on July 21, 2011 at 10:44 am Diane

You have walked through a door to a different dimmension………..keep going forward and trusting your heart…………..your little dolly is with you every step of the way. Andrea’s mom forever
on July 21, 2011 at 11:17 am Lin Davenport

Breathe, stay safe and take care of you. Lin
on July 22, 2011 at 2:16 pm Jessica Weyer Bentley

I am hoping reentry is not too hard on you and you are able to get some much deserved rest. I am thinking of you and praying for you. Have a great day.
on July 25, 2011 at 4:15 pm Lt Sun

I liken your words to how I felt after a one year tour in Iraq. I knew what was expected of me each day and when I returned, that weird comfort was gone. But, knowing that my work made a difference helped. I can tell you that your work through your bike ride made a difference. I became more aware of the M.A.D.D. mission and the dangers associated with drunk driving. You impacted a lot of people and possibly saved lives when people realized that impaired driving kills at a greater rate than the war in Iraq. Keep the faith and focus on the horizon.