It was starting to get warmer at night, and sleeping in my car would be a challenge, I knew, so I determined to pay my cousin $20 a day for letting me stay in her extra bedroom.
She didn't ask for it, but I offered. I didn't want to wear out my welcome there.
In June, my control arms broke on my vehicle. I had to get them replaced at the local Firestone, because driving back to Texarkana was not an option. My mechanic had taken out a warranty for them, but I was unable to be compensated due to the fact I had the second repairs at Firestone in Dallas, and they were replaced by a different company.
At this point, I only had about $500 left.
Then, my cluster went out. I had to have that replaced.
I borrowed some money from my cousin, and I felt like an imp doing so. I was able to pay her back, but I couldn't keep up with my bills and pay $20/day. I apologized to her profusely, but she took it all in stride and told me I shouldn't worry about it. After all, I was family.
I will forever be grateful to her for that!
While I was in the Dallas area, my spirits started to revive when I realized the position that God had placed me in.
I got to see things I'd never taken notice of before.
I saw the Mary Kay building. (I expected it to be pink, but it wasn't! It was brown brick, just like any other building).
I saw the Dallas Baptist University. It was beautiful!
I saw Arlington's AT&T Stadium on game day (it was a mess!).
I got to try Thai food in Sherman, Korean food in Denton, Vietnamese food in Garland. I ate Cajun food in Mesquite, Salvadorian food in Irving, Chinese food in Dallas, and the best Mexican food I ever had in my life in Grand Prairie!
I saw Trader's village in Grand Prairie. It was HUGE!
I started embracing and enjoying my life again.
I got to see the Southfork Ranch in Parker, and the Stockyards in Fort Worth!
Since I had to be careful of my diet, I stayed away from fast food as much as I could. I could get a burger anywhere, at any time, but I knew that wasn't healthy for me. So, I stayed away from burgers and fries as a rule.
But, one day I was craving a burger. I figured if I was going to eat a burger, then it had to be a GOOD burger. Something special.
I was in Fort Worth, so I did a Google search and went to a little place near downtown called "Station M&O Grill and Cocktail Lounge".
I walked into the little bar, and an older gentleman behind the counter said, "Can I help you?"
I took a breath as I looked at all the "Best Burger in Fort Worth" awards on the wall.
I said, "I'm searching for the best burger I have never had."
He said, "My name is Chef Danny. I think I can accommodate."
He suggested I try the "Tijuana Burger". He explained that he cooks his burgers in a bleu cheese butter sauce that he makes himself.
I took his suggestion and ordered it with Sweet Potato fries and a glass of Sweet Tea.
He personally brought the burger to me. It was beautifully stacked with all the fixings, avocados, and topped with blue cheese sauce on top.
It was beautiful, and messy, and VERY delicious. The sweet potato fries were seasoned just right. The tea was delicious. And, he sat and talked with me about my adventures while I ate.
He told me that he started out at the Petroleum Club in Fort Worth as a young man and showed me pictures on the wall of himself as a young man there.
When I left that little lounge that day, I could honestly say I had the best burger, and the best eating experience, I had ever had in my life!
I got to talk to people from all over the world in my car, as I drove them from point A to point B.
I heard lots of stories, gave lots of advice, and told my story to as many people who would listen as I could.
One girl from Australia told me how they drive on the left side of the road in her country. She said that the first time an Uber driver turned "right on red", it scared her half to death here!
I had a doctor's appointment in Texarkana in September, so I decided it was time to get ready to move out of my cousin's apartment and continue my travels. The weather was cooling off enough for me to be able to sleep in my car again, and, as I said, I didn't want to wear out my welcome.
But, I wanted to take my cousin some place special to treat her for her kindness.
So, I wanted to take her to that Mexican place, The Hacienda Buffet, in Grand Prairie.
As we drove to the restaurant, she told me how much she enjoyed eating at Poncho's.
I explained to her that Poncho's was more of a "commercialized" Mexican buffet, and where we were going had more "authentic" food. I don't think she could wrap her head around it, which made the experience even more thrilling for me!
We went inside and the buffet cost $25/person. She said, "Oh, my, that's a little much. Why don't we go Dutch?"
I refused. "NO," I said, "This is my treat. AND, it will be worth it when I see your face."
We walked inside, and there were buffet bars everywhere. Bars with Mexican entrees, Mexican vegetables, Mexican salads, and desserts! Any way you wanted to make a taco, or fajita or whatever!
We went to the table and a waiter brought our drinks and whatever kinds of tortillas we liked.
It was an awesome experience! She took one look around and said, "I just THOUGHT I knew Mexican food. I didn't know CRAP! I've GOT to bring my dad HERE!"
It made me feel good.
I saw the Fort Worth Stockyards, and got to eat at the Badazz Burrito in Fort Worth. It was the home of the 3 lb and 11 lb burrito. A sign on the wall said, "Take the Burrito Challenge!". I asked about it. They said if you eat the 11 lb Burrito in less than 4 minutes, you get $400.
No. I didn't try it.
As I left the Dallas area to go to my doctor's appointment in Texarkana, I praised God and thanked Him for His blessings, for the experiences I had had for the past few months, and petitioned for His guidance and I continued my journey with Him.
I started to realize the unique position He had placed me in, to be able to experience a life that others only talk about maybe having one day. I was having that life out of necessity, and I was blessed to be able to!
I was beginning to learn that I didn't have to have a lot of "stuff" in order to live an abundant life.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 My bills were caught up. I was still paying them down, but I had everything I needed. I was blessed.
The world was His garden, and I was blessed to walk...or drive...in it.
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