Operation Tremont in April 2009

Well we made it. The trip back to Illinois was not the same as any other trip “home” I have encountered. Isabella and I went out there on our own teamwork. The flight out was a bit more than I expected. I mean, of course, that the “transition times” with 2 large checked suitcases, a rental car shuttle, a delay at the gate, and over-priced airport food was enough for the expected hypertensive response.

My list of expectations from the trip was primarily based on food. Being somewhat of an athlete, most of my life expectations are surrounded by culinary requests. Food consumption is a hobby. My list included Gloria Jean’s Coffee, check; Venison “lion,” check; Kitchen Cooked potato chips, check (although I didn’t bring any home with me); Monical’s pizza, check (a total disappointment – what was the big deal when I was a kid?); La Gondola, no check there….time became critical….I had to make decisions; Avanti’s in East Peoria, check (and it just gets better, I might add); Steak –n-Shake, check (seriously the best Steakburger and Chilli I have had in my entire life). My list ends there, but Morton Dairy Queen was a last minute addition and I left unfulfilled. I realized during my stay that if I wanted a Starbucks, I had to travel to Pekin, which is separated by cornfields from Tremont…not on every corner like it is in The Valley. The Bonnie’s Café experience with my dad (twice), and two visits with Bill Hopkins made the trip complete. My only real indulgences were a trip to see Hannah Montana in the theater, and a new pair of sweatpants that read “Tremont” down the right leg.

My marathon aspirations were left in Illinois. I was intent on completing #8 in Champaign. The simple excuse of “my heart was not in it, therefore I just didn’t train,” was enough to keep me at home on Friday night and Saturday morning. Breaking the news to Mike Herrin was not the most enjoyable experience, but he understood, and he was nice enough to bring my shirt by my dad’s house….thanks again, Mike. I am setting my goal for Bear Lake in June…look out Dave Bell, I am coming to get you. I am down 10 pounds from a year ago, and motivated to train. Amelie Jane was born on Monday morning, and for a set of sad family circumstances, I sat home Monday night, was not impeccable with my word, and didn’t make it to Methodist to see the Amy’s baby. I was reminded Tremont is a small town when the Tremont Saving’s Bank marquee read “She’s here – Amelie Jane.”

Tuesday morning came and Isabella and I set out for St. Louis already behind schedule. Too much coffee, and not enough time, set in motion a series of events that were what I like to call “The Stress Puzzle.” The rental car shuttle in St. Louis was just not what it is in Denver, and to add insult to injury, I lost my contract. There was also the issue with the $25 coupon, which was too much for the lady at the counter to handle….again with a delay. Thankfully, checking two bags and the dash through security were uneventful. Among all of these pieces which added to the puzzle, my beautiful daughter held her Blankie, sucked her thumb, and her biggest request was “are we there yet?” I could handle that. She is such an easy child and loves her mama….I cannot complain. She pulled her little lavender suitcase behind her through Lambert, enjoyed the “high five” in security by the TSA employee, ate cheese pizza at CPK, and enjoyed her very first Sprite in her life. She sat contently on the journey airborne circling words in a Disney word search.

One thing I learned from all my experiences in the last 5 days is that you can never go home again, and even visiting the past can be a bit painful. I have been away from the cornfields and the flat terrain of the Midwest too long to even begin to appreciate the Midwest in a manner I used to. My house in Draper is home now and that is where most of my memories are stored.