Where Am I?

This time of the year reminds me of the fair. I remember once when I was about seven years old Mom took me to the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport. For some reason it was just the two of us. After we arrived I insisted on going into the House of Mirrors. She bought one ticket and I went in by myself.

I wandered around for a while, going down narrow hallways which ended in either clear glass or mirrors. I would turn around, going left down this hallway and then right down that hallway, always running into a mirror or clear glass. It was a twisted maze of narrow walls and I quickly had enough. I was ready to come out.

I found my way to the front of the glass house and came to a clear glass wall in the front. I could see Mom standing there smiling and waving at me. I waved back.

But then I couldn't find my way out. I started to panic and then started crying. Mom saw my fear and was trying to point me in the right direction. I could see her but I couldn't get to her. After what seemed like an eternity, I found my way out. I ran to Mom and threw my arms around her.

I still get that same panicky feeling when I have to go somewhere that is unfamiliar. Even familiar places I will still get turned around and confused. Since I have such a poor sense of direction I will always have the route printed out and next to me in the car when I travel alone. It's funny what childhood memories will stick with you.

I am so thankful that Tim is the opposite. He is a human compass. He always gets us to our destination without one wrong turn. And most importantly, he never criticizes me for my lack of knowing if we should turn right, left or go straight.