A Whisper in the Wind

It is early in the morning and the sun can be seen peeking over the horizon. It is a warm spring day. April in the South has always been my favorite time of the year. As I drive along 1-95, my mind drifts back to the life I am leaving behind.

I was born Gayle Hendricks, and I grew up in a very close family with two brothers and one sister. My parents raised us well. Mother, who I adored, was a wonderful Christian woman and my father taught us what hard work was and gave us good guidelines to follow. I attended a very small school, so I practically knew everyone. I was not the most popular girl around, but I had three close girlfriends. I didn’t have many boyfriends. There was one named Tony that I liked. He was so sweet and popular but he never asked me out. I was very shy then and kept to myself most of the time.

After graduation, I had numerous jobs, none of which I really enjoyed. That is the reason I am leaving today. Saying goodbye to Mama and Daddy was not easy. I wanted to cry. Mama told me what she has always told me – to follow my heart and to listen for the whisper in the wind.

It is about lunchtime, and I better get off at the next exit and get something to eat. I also need to get some gas. I found Wendy’s will do just fine. When I go in, I notice the line is very long, so I will have plenty of time to decide what I want to eat. I got my food and found a place to sit by a window. The food was very good, but it was very loud with lots of little children running and playing. I would like to have some children one day, after I spread my wings a little.

Some man is staring at me with a grin on his face. I sure do hope he doesn’t come over here. He got up and moved closer to me. I ate my last few bites and dumped my tray. I made a mad dash to the car. He came out right behind me and got in his truck, he is driving an awful green truck that looks like it is about a sixty-nine Chevy. Lord, please don’t let him follow me. I’ve looked back a few times and haven’t seen him anywhere. Thank goodness!

I have always dreamed of going to New York, I can’t wait to get there. I have a very long drive ahead of me, and I do not want to be driving when it gets dark. The radio is playing and I am relaxed now, I don’t feel so tired. I have been driving for a long time. I need to stop and find a place to stay for the night. I see a Comfort Inn off the next exit that will be good. I went in and got a room, got my key, the room was very nice and looked very clean. I took a hot shower and went to bed.

I woke up around eight, got dressed and went down stairs. I grabbed a cup of coffee in place of breakfast. I got my things together and got back on the road. I am so excited, can’t wait to see New York.

I drove about all day, stopped a few times for a bathroom break, and to get a bite to eat. It is about two o’clock in the morning, guess I should stop for the night. I am not very far from the big city. I need to call Mama and let her know that I am okay. I found a nice motel, went in, and got a room. I found a pay phone so I can call Mama. She will accept a collect call. “Mama, hey, it’s me. Are you alright?” She was so happy to hear my voice. “Honey, I am fine. How are you?” I told her that I was tired but okay. She told me again how proud she and Daddy were. We talked for a few more minutes then said goodbye. I assured her that as soon as I got settled in at my new place that I would call and give them the details.