RUN, RUN, RUN AWAY
Have you ever run away from home? If not, read on. If so, read on.
I was just thinking recently about running away from home. The walls were closing in, and I was increasingly annoyed by daily routine. My solution was the same as it has been for many years. It would be a good time to run away. Running away is an excellent experience. I highly recommend it. It cleanses the mind and refreshes the soul.
I first started running away around the age of seven. I did not mark the date on the calendar. It was likely prompted by an annoyance of some sort. I did not record the reason either. But, away I went. My simple preparation was to wrap a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in one of my dad’s old blue work handkerchiefs and go. At the time I was a novice. I didn’t think to grab an old mayonnaise jar and fill it with water. Off I went, down the alley to who knows where. When I arrived at who knows where, I sat down in the grass, ate my sandwich……and enjoyed the scenery. After that PBJ sandwich, I was thirsty. I also had forgotten why I ran away. I began my trek home. In those days, parents didn’t look for their children when they disappeared, so my absence went un-noticed. That didn’t bother me. I didn’t run away for attention. I didn’t know it at the time, but I ran away to have some personal space.
When I think about it, there was one exception. Once, I ran away out of sheer panic. It seemed like a good idea to get out of Dodge. Just like the movie Christmas Story, we had a neighborhood Scut Farkus….the kid who liked to pick on everyone. That fateful day, I was his everyone. Little did he know that even the sweetest (that is a self-evaluation) girl could be provoked to violence. Whatever he said or did, it pushed me to my limit. I was packing my somewhat realistic, western style, six shooter with the plastic purl grip cradled in my fringed holster, strapped to my non-existent hip (those were the days). I pulled out that weapon with lighting speed and without further thought, grabbed the barrel, swinging it with a mighty force. The purl handle hit him square in the forehead, just like in the movies. Blood gushed from his head. I dropped my revolver and took off on foot. I didn’t have a horse, though it would have come in handy. Suddenly I was on the neighborhood “most wanted list”. My parents and neighbors formed an impromptu posse to find me. They did. This particular running away experience did not end well. It seemed that slitting open a previously nice looking little boy’s forehead, sending him to the hospital for stitches, was against parental law. There were consequences. Still, consequences or not, running away gave me the necessary personal time to reflect on my actions, which I did and have done so many times since. I realized I did not feel particularly repentant, so I accepted my punishment (actually I didn’t have a choice in the matter).
Flash forward a few years. Today, I still enjoy a good running away experience. Many modern conveniences have improved these forays. First, an automobile is wonderful. It allows for a longer, more diverse experience. The solitude of driving is liberating. Finding the roads and trails leading to places unknown is the epitome of running away. Second to the car is the convenience store. These little oases carry everything necessary for a run away experience. From sandwiches to Chips Ahoy cookies to bottled water…the convenience store has it. On a good day, they may also have Raisinets, which are especially good traveling companions (except if it hot). Lastly, a credit card with a high limit is a plus. Hotels and shopping are not free.
An open mind and a sense of curiosity enhance the experience of running away. There are just a few other suggestions I have deemed myself qualified to pass on. First, do not run away with anyone living with you. It defeats the purpose. After all, if their companionship was desired, it could be had by staying home. In the same vein, be very selective in sharing your plans. Rarely are there two or more people who can run away together, love the adventure of the road less traveled, and return home with the same sense of peace.
Society seems to hold the notion that running away is irresponsible or doesn’t solve any problems. Conventional wisdom tells us that our problems will still be there when we return. There is some merit to these notions. However, in a society where we self-medicate with downers and uppers, alcohol, and whatever else allows us to escape reality, running away seems pretty benign.
A trip around the block may be all that is necessary to face the world again.
PS—These days I leave my iphone location finder turned “on” ….just in case.