My mom and I took a trip to Alamosa on Saturday to visit my dad and to take him a box of his things that he is allowed to have with him. It was overwhelming to see him. It had felt like months since that Monday in the courthouse yet in reality it had only been five days.
The facility is located on the outskirts of town and is made up of several buildings. But there is no fencing or barbed wire around it, which makes the thought of this being my dad's new temporary home much more comforting. And a lot less ominous.
I pulled in the parking lot and my mom went inside to check in. I sat in the car, checking emails and Facebook, not wanting to go in but also wanting to see my dad. But then something caught my eye and I looked up. And there stood my dad.
My mouth fell open and I dropped my phone. I thought he was supposed to be locked up in some small room somewhere?! I looked around. Do they know he is out here? I threw open my door, and whispered loudly:
"Quick! Get in, Dad! Let's go. We are almost to New Mexico!"
My dad just stood there and grinned. My mom laughed. Unfortunately, he could not go with me but he was allowed to come out to the car and walk around the facility.
Darn it! I am sure my plan would have worked.
He had on his white shirt that he wore under his suit and his suit slacks. He looked handsome, kinda like an Oklahoma James Bond with a slight twang. We were bringing him new clothes because he gets to wear his own, which is such a bonus because let's face it, a striped jumpsuit really doesn't look good on anyone.
They allowed us to stay an hour, which was an hour more than we thought we could since not all of his paperwork had been completed. However, the guys in the front office were gracious to us since we had driven all the way from Denver and we were allowed to sit in a common room with him and chat. It was pure heaven.
And then I reminded him that my license tag was up for renewal and I asked him if he could make me a new one. He said he would do his best.
He is such a great dad.
He is the best Dad ever.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Seester.
I'm so glad you got to see him! That's fantastic that he can roam that freely! It sounds like it is about as good of an environment as it could possibly be. I'm very thankful to hear that. Are you allowed to take him food? We could have a big cooking party and then load up the car and drop off lots of great stuff! That'll make him even more friends! Or maybe we could buy one of those portable putting greens from SkyMall and deliver that!
ReplyDeleteThe Wild Plum
Hahhahahaahhahahhaahhaa! I totally lol'ed when you asked him for a license plate. That was awesome.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your trip was good - and very glad to hear his conditions. Next time, give him a big hug from us....
Love you all
So so glad to hear you were able to see him. Praying lots! Let me know if there is anything you need. Sending you all lots of love!
ReplyDeleteOh so love that Oklahoma James Bond!! Still a huge hero to me, twang and all!!! Love you all!
ReplyDeleteI admire your strength! I'm so glad you were able to see him - I know the Lord is holding you in the palm of His hand!
ReplyDelete