14 Comments
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jodi {diaryofaladytraveler}'s avatar

I never thought I’d read about my part of the world in one of your posts Sarah, but your brother experienced what we call “Iowa Nice” just a few miles from where I grew up, in the city where I went to college! This was a lovely story, beautifully told. Thank you for sharing, I hope your son enjoys his road trip!

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

That's great! It's not a part of America I know at all, but my brother fell in love with the country on that trip

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Jules's avatar

Beautiful story and a smashing bit of history too. I love the symmetry of your brother and son doing a road trip decades apart, and you linking it all together. Move over Jack Kerouac!

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Victoria K. Walker's avatar

Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your brother, Sarah. What a wonderful story and great photos. And I hope your son has an amazing adventure.

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Andy Carter's avatar

What a brilliant adventure and amazing generosity from strangers! Great story.

My wife and I always planned to do an American road trip in our 20s but it never happened sadly. Maybe when the kids move out (in 20 years or so!) Hope your son has a blast.

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Liz Howlett's avatar

A lovely story thank you for sharing. I met with much kindness on my own trip to the US last year. I’m sorry to hear of your brother’s early death.

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

A beautiful and heartwarming story. I'm sorry you lost your brother so early. I hope your son enjoys his adventures!

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Jon (Animated)'s avatar

Really lovely piece this, just beautiful :)

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Despina Kay's avatar

This made me cry, maybe because I love my baby brother (now in his 40s) so much. Also, you look exactly the same. Even if you hadn't said anything, I would have recognized Mini You in that picture.

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Hold your siblings close. It's too easy to say 'I'll call next week, I'll see them at Xmas'.... and then they're gone...

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Tara Penry's avatar

Beautiful story, well told! What a wonderful keepsake from your brother. It’s amazing what ingenuity we had to have before cell phones.

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James Lee's avatar

Such a great story to share with your son, Sarah. Crazy times! ✨

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Etta Madden's avatar

Loved this story so much, Sarah! Likely you don’t know that our small city is dubbed “the birthplace of Route 66”? Happy to meet your son for a meal or, if it works out, to offer him a home-cooked one! I will send you a dm…

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Wendy Varley's avatar

What good samaritans! Heartwarming, thanks for sharing your late brother's story, Sarah. I can well imagine that you miss him.

Hope your own US trip goes well. And your son's!

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