But there’s so much more to the story, of course. In March 2000, a month after Sue and her mother reconnected, my wife and I headed to Florida to visit her mother and her dear friend Jack at their home in the farmlands about an hour outside Orlando.

Sue and I drove down South with her friends Nancy and Jimmy (their names have been changed so I don’t get yelled at). While there we also took in Disney and the other theme parks.

I scribbled a lot in a notebook on that trip and transcribed it here -- I think what follows is a heartfelt, humorous and at times “interesting” account of that trip…

“I wonder why they put the south… so far south?”

—-Bugs Bunny

Saturday, March 11, 2000: The first day started far, far, too early (4am) after two hours sleep. I was up all night, doing laundry and packing.

By 5:30 it was obvious we were not going to meet Jimmy’s 5:30 deadline, and we ended up getting to Pawtucket around 7:30—just after I nearly got clocked by a van. I was that tired. Absolutely non-functional.

I will never leave that early for a trip again. I barely remember the first part of the day. We passed through the “easy” states quickly; and Nancy and Jimmy did the driving to Virginia. The drive was pleasant; leaving that early was insane. Florida is, after all, a 24 hour drive from Massachusetts as long as you never stop driving the entire 24 hours. There was NO need to leave early or rush, but I digress.

There wasn’t much to see, although the weather got progressively better the further south we went. By Richmond it was near 80º. I drove for about two hours, well into North Carolina.

God in heaven help me, there must have been 10 times on this trip I wanted to smack Jimmy in the head for his ruthless breakneck scheduling. It simply got worse every day. I started calling him Napoleon to myself, and at least once saluted him with a “Heil Hitler!”

By evening, we had arrived at "South of the Border.” It is EXTREMELY overrated (in much the same way it is EXTREMELY far from Earth to Neptune). You are positively bombarded with signs in North Carolina (I’d say at least 50 to 100 South of the Border billboards) and I was expecting something phenomenal.

What I found was a gaudy, tacky, Vegas-style glitzy Mexican town. It just stank. The diner—and I use the term loosely—is a place I would have walked out of anywhere else. The place didn’t even look clean.

South of the Border might have been great in its day, but that day has long since passed and it just looks neglected and run-down now. Case in point—the very first thing you see in the very first souvenir shop is a huge row of porno magazines—the real hard-core stuff, right in front.

This is a family place? Meh.

Sunday, March 12: We headed to a country-store/restaurant called Cracker Barrel for an enjoyable breakfast. Sue had a typical country breakfast including gravy and grits. We’re in the Deep South here, no doubt about it.

Jimmy really started to get to me by this time. He was so bleeping anal, not only about the regimented schedule, but also about meticulously copying down the mileage and computing it on a calculator.

Anyway, I continued to read my book and picked up driving through the peachy state of Georgia. We arrived in Florida but still had a long drive ahead, and finally, hours later, after a mix-up at the hotel, found one a few miles away at Howard Johnson’s and crashed. Total mileage was 1288 and about 26 hours in the car.

Monday, March 12: We checked out; it’s 80º outside. There’s a whole bunch of those time-share bozos offering discount Disney tickets for a time-share walk-though. Thankfully, Jimmy and Nancy agreed with me that we were not going to do that!

It was obvious to me that Sue really wanted to get her hair cut, so we did that—she seemed to be much better afterward. In the meanwhile, Jimmy and I went to a local supermarket, Publix, for some turkey, deli rolls and canned soda.

We headed to the Orange Ring, the place Mom, Theresa and I went to in 1985. We bought oranges, AMAZING orange juice and souvenirs, and then headed to where Sue’s mother, and her dear friend, Jack, live on a farm.

Jack is 88 and quite a character! He’s still vital, and still takes care of the farm and the animals.

The area is truly God’s country; the way is lined with wall to wall orange trees and the smell is sublime—like jasmine.

We arrived at Soad’s beautiful farm. It was even more impressive than she described. For all the animals, it’s very clean, and seems to be well organized. There are three dogs—Daisy, Miss Black, and Fluffy. There are turkeys, ducks, roosters, chickens, a rabbit, Sammy the bull, and cows Millie, Julia, Matilda, and a few others.

The house is a double mobile home and is well-maintained. The home is decorated with many pictures, as well as rosaries from the holy land (the very pair that were placed in Susan’s hands after she was born).

Soad has so much joy—she is so obviously at peace with herself and so happy.

I called Mom from the porch, patting the dogs as I talked.

Jack said grace each night we were there; the prayer went like this:

“Heavenly Father we thank you and praise you for all you’ve given us…”

[Here Jack would thank God for something in particular (such as the our fellowship, or make a request (“We put these problems in your hands”) and then he would conclude with]

“For what we are about to receive, may the good Lord make us truthfully thankful, [in] Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

Dinner was very special—chicken, potatoes, Basboosah (a delicious pastry), and a special salad. I asked Soad for the recipe; try it; it’s really good:

• 8 cups shredded carrot
• 1 small can crushed pineapple not drained
• 2 cups raisins
• ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup Mayo

Jimmy and Nancy left after dinner, and Sue stayed up most of the night with Soad. I crashed in the computer room.

Tuesday, March 13: We had breakfast, including the rose hips marmalade that Soad made (delicious), and Jimmy and Nancy picked us up a little after 8:30. As expected it was, “We have to go, we have to go.”

We made it to Disney and got our tickets ($42 each) for today’s Disney and Thursday’s Epcot. We rode the monorail into the park and raced (literally) to the rides. Jimmy later commented to me it bothered him and Nancy I was stopping so often to take pictures. Oh, please.

Must… Not… Kill… Jimmy.

Sue really wanted a picture with Mickey, and I decided that would be a priority. So we waited in line and met the Great Mouse himself. I have to admit that was fun. I stupidly shut the camcorder off during this time, so asked (nay, begged) a Disney employee for a few more minutes with Mickey for Sue’s sake. They were very kind and let us do that. Sue even got Mickey’s autograph.

The reaction to Mickey Mouse is the same throughout the park. It goes something like this:

“Oh, look, there’s Donald! And Minnie. Look, isn’t Goofy cute. And there’s Ariel, and...” {Shrieking} “OH MY GOD IT’S MICKEY! MICKEY! MIIIICKKKKEEEEYYYYYYY!!!! And look, there’s Scrooge McDuck, and Snow White…”

The afternoon parade was highlighted by a talk with an employee named Rob, who told Sue and me that he loved Disney and has been working here for years. The parade was wonderful, playing the song “It’s time to remember the magic” along with the “newer” characters such as the Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. A wonderful show.

Sue and I headed to Splash Mountain; the line was long but well worth it. The ride goes through the story of Briar Rabbit before the final plunge. The picture of us coming down was so good I bought it.

Sue picked up a lot of souvenirs; I mostly got magnets and a few postcards.

We rode the train around the park, and Jimmy and Nancy decided to go back to the car for sweatshirts. I discouraged him, but he wanted to go, so we agreed to meet at the Bear Jamboree. Sue and I got some Christmas ornaments and scored a good spot for the Electric Light Parade, munching on the new snack, turkey legs.

A man from Australia asked me why everyone was gathered on the curbs.

“You don’t know?” I asked him. “This is the Electric Light Parade—you have to see it, you’ll love it!” and we invited our new friend to join us.

Jimmy and Nancy were nowhere to be seen as the parade started. I have to admit, I got choked up and started to cry as the Electric Light Parade started. I was just overwhelmed with happiness, and was pleased to see Sue smiling and dancing.

The fireworks display over the castle wasn’t too impressive.

We picked up some more souvenirs inside the castle, and met Jimmy and Nancy near the exit, where Jimmy complained they had been waiting a half hour. When Sue ran back to make one of those pressed pennies, Jimmy complained loudly that she caused us to miss the ferry.

Honestly, I just wanted to hold his head under water at this point. Thinking about it felt really good.

A funny moment occurred here when a bunch of kids noticed that the Disney Drones were not controlling the crowd very well. One kid imitated Officer Lightoller from the movie Titanic and shouted in a perfect imitation, “Order! Keep order here!” and I immediately shouted the next line from the movie in the same voice, “…Or I’ll shoot you all like dogs!”

That broke everyone up. Must be lots of Titanic fans in Florida!

Wednesday, March 14: The day began at McDonalds, where I got Sue coffee. A woman had a kiosk set up there, offering Disney tickets in exchange for viewing a time-share. You know the type—makeup applied with a trowel, gaudy clothing, and long junk-jewelry necklace.

“Would you ignore $50 if it were lying on the floor?” she asked me.

“Depends,” I replied. “Is it on the floor of a TIME-SHARE?”

She did not like that. Bobby: 1, Time-Share Lady 0.

It was another 80º day. We stopped for T-shirts and coffee, and then headed to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island, destinations for adults to go to in Orlando. The deal is that you can walk around all day in the many shops, and at night (for an $18 cover) there are seven or eight music clubs. The setup is actually impressive. There’s a Planet Hollywood and six other clubs, two outside stages, and plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Jimmy was in a snippy mood (must... suspend… disbelief) and we set about to wander the place, eventually stopping at Wolfgang Polk’s for lunch. As with all Disney places, the food was expensive (but good) and I enjoyed sitting in the warm sun by the fountain to enjoy the meal. We also saw a bunny in the garden, and he let me get very close for an exceptional picture.

Sue and Nancy continued to shop, and we also toured the impressive “jungle theme” restaurant, Rainforest Cafe. It really looked like the place was set in a rain forest.

Jimmy's mood was rapidly souring as the afternoon wore on. We needed to be changed and in the park before 7 to avoid paying the cover, and at 5:30 Jimmy threw a temper tantrum, got all bent out of shape, and made it clear he was furious we were doing so much shopping and wandering. Mind you, the car was parked about 300 FEET AWAY from the ENTRANCE to the park and we were already changed; giving us ONLY 90 minutes walk 300 FEET!

Hey, Napoleon, take your bleeping Prozac, willya?

Anyway, Jimmy thankfully calmed down, we changed and continued shopping. Sue bought me the Disney Main Street Electrical Light parade CD. Downtown Disney comes alive at night, with live bands covering the latest tunes (good cover of Goo-Good dolls “Slide”) and all shops still open.

My favorite shop was the “reel memories” shop, which featured collectibles and autographs. Many of the autographs were on checks and letters.

We saw the Randall Brothers perform twice (all country music) and a very good cover of Lonestar’s “Baby I’m amazed” and even danced a song or two. The place reminded me of many of the larger places we frequented in the old days—there were kids around 21 (one with wild hair who I dubbed “Bucky”) who were obviously regulars, just like we used to be at the Avon Townhouse and Adelphia.

The Downtown Disney every-night New Year's celebration is EXTREMELY OVER HYPED; I've set off better fireworks than in the backyard.

Thursday, March 15: Jimmy brought Sue a cup of coffee this morning; Sue wondered whether it was kindness, or to ensure she wouldn't delay our departure by going to Dunkin Donuts. Sure enough, Jimmy commented how long the line was at D&D. (This really was two vacations; as I write this I realize just how frenzied and insane the pace was while we were in Jimmy’s company, as opposed to the relatively leisurely pace of the farm.)

Anyway, we made it to Epcot; their parking lot is much closer and doesn't require a shuttle. The large “Spaceship Earth” ball has a huge “2000” on it and Mickey’s hand holding a magic wand.

We decided to split up for four hours, since Jimmy said he wasn't interested in the countries (y’know, this being bleeping EPCOT and all); I was pleased to have some time alone with Sue.

Our pace was unhurried and fun; our first stop was France. I'd forgotten that the Epcot employees of each county are from the country; so when you go into the French stop everyone is speaking French, and so on. The costumes—while somewhat stereotypical—are accurate as well. The feeling is a very authentic one.

We stopped for pastries in France, and briefly watched a street play, before heading to Morocco (which reminded me of many of the places seen in Raiders of the Lost Ark!). Here Sue bought a set of bongo drums.

Japan was very beautiful—I like the Japanese style of decorating. It’s very peaceful.

We had lunch out in the Japanese garden—standard fast food fare but good, and watched 12 year old taking pictures of the ducks. I was impressed with the care and concentration the kid was putting into each shot.

We also hit USA and Italy, which had a nice representation of Piazza Saint Marco. We got a cannoli and espresso there.

We jumped the boat back; Jimmy and Nancy were complaining about being tired, and how the food made their stomachs turn, and I just wanted to die. We headed into the millennium village and I sat most of it out. Sue and I had an argument by Canada, which was too bad because I would have liked to see more of it.

Anyway, we split up again and Sue and I took in the “plant” ride as well as the impressive “Living Sea.” Alpha Base One, supposedly under the sea, looked so much like a starship I was enthralled.

We caught up with Jimmy and Nancy and watched the parade of nations. (Honestly, no big deal). I was less than happy that the camcorder took that moment to malfunction. Aaargg.

After the parade, Sue wanted to get some food. When Jimmy protested and added that they were heading back to the car at 9 sharp, it took a lot for me not to hit him with the malfunctioning camcorder.

Heil Hitler!

We got our hot dogs and the camcorder still refused to cooperate. As the rain begin (almost timed to the fireworks start) we were treated to a spectacular laser, light and fireworks display. But I was concentrating on the camcorder and successfully resisted the urge to smash it to the ground.

That we were half an hour “late” didn’t matter because it took two hours to get through the traffic anyway.

Friday, March 17: Yet another rushed morning. From the hotel we headed to the farm. It is, as I said before, very beautiful. Nancy and Jimmy had earlier made the decision that they wouldn't be staying too long Friday, to get a head start back, and left after breakfast.

Soad took us on a tour of the farm. She has grapes, blueberries, onions, garlic, almonds, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, turnip, peas, bananas, strawberries, and peaches and coffee. They truly live off the land. I commented to Soad—and I meant it—that her work seems more real than mine. My job, after all, has been created by technology and is—bottom line—an artificial need. But food—Is a real need. And Soad knows the soil, knows the eccentricities and nuances of each crop, and knows what to plant when, and where.

The place is called “God’s country” by Jack. I felt that was an accurate description. More, I found that by Monday I was truly happy and at peace—at least for a little while. There is so much life, and peace here.

We had chops for lunch; Jack said grace.

There are three absolutely adorable puppies running around; naturally I called them boo-dogs. They loved to be patted.

Sue and I dropped her Mom off at work and headed to Sears (to buy a phone for her mom) Home Depot (for bug-killing stuff). By the way, the Home Depot in Florida has mole killer and gopher-be-gone.

Over dinner, Soad told me that Sue’s birth was easy. She had gone out with Sue’s father (she was still working at the time) and had a Chardonnay. Miriam, Susan's grandmother, was with them at the time. Anyway, she was cooking food and suddenly felt pain in her back. The baby wasn’t due yet, so the family advised her to go to bed. She had Sue the next morning! We learned a lot we didn’t know about Sue’s early life.

I like the way Soad talks. She constantly calls Sue “honey,” or “baby,” and calls me Son. I also like the way she says No (“nooooooooooo”) and sure (“Sher”). I like that she has one beer each night, and sometimes drinks it from the can. She’s very down to Earth.

Dinner was chops, salad, homemade gravy, and potatoes (very creamy, as the milk in the potatoes was from the cows).

Saturday, March 18: Up pretty early today; had more rose hips marmalade and made eggs for everyone. We toured the farm—it is amazing. Soad has peaches, walnuts, blueberry, strawberries, onions, garlic, turnip, guava, oranges, and mangos, bananas and much more.

I can’t believe the relationship between Soad and my Sue—it’s like they never separated.

The four of us headed to the mall; Jack had a good line when he asked a Sears person where the home and garden was. When she apologized and said she didn’t know, Jack retorted, “Shame on you!” (Again, by way of explanation, he IS 88 years old).

We headed into Footlocker; Jack told the girl who was waiting on us the story of the mother/daughter reunion, and the girl hugged Soad!

We headed back home; it’s just so beautiful here.

After a dinner of Cornish game hens, we needed to head back to the mall, as the satellite dish Soad picked up wasn't what she needed. We exchanged it for two smaller ones and also picked up wipers for her car.

Sunday, March 19: We were up early today and headed to Cyprus Gardens. Last time I was here it was 104º, this time was a cool 60s. Soad got us in with a discount, although she didn't have her teacher ID for the full discount (the park charges $31, which I think is crazy).

We walked around and then headed to Moscow on Ice, an ice skating show set to fairy tales. While the story was directed at kids, the skating was excellent and I enjoyed it. Better, Jack, who is very hard to please, commented It was worth the price of admission and was admiring the “girls in the tight outfits.”

There's no denying that Cyprus Gardens is very beautiful. I learned some of the history today—a Mr. And Mrs. Pope bought the land around the time of the Depression, with the intention of building house there. There was no money for the labor so they decided to use the land themselves. Mrs. Pope planted flowers and Mr. Pope began digging canals.

One day during WWII, two servicemen stopped by and Mrs. Pope and her daughters put on a water ski show. The next week 700 people showed up, and they began charging a quarter a show. There's been a show every day since.

As we walked around, there was a moment, passing the gazebo, where I saw Sue and her mother dancing along to the music—and it hit me—finally—what had happened. I started to cry, and hugged Soad. Sue and Soad's relationship is amazing—it’s like they never separated.

We went to the butterfly conservatory, then Jack treated to a wonderful lunch at an excellent restaurant.

We took the Ferry ride; Jack immediately introduced himself to Steve from New Jersey. Jack isn’t shy.

We headed home and then met Jack and Soad's next-door neighbors. They were pleasant enough. One of the kids is in college in Boston, and the neighbor suggested I call them.

I thought to myself: “Hello, I’m someone you don’t know and we have nothing in common except that my wife’s mother lives next door to your parents in Florida.”

I figured the conversation would pretty much go downhill from there.

We came back to the house and cleaned for four hours. This was actually very enjoyable, because it gave Sue and Soad the opportunity to laugh, horse around, and be silly. Soad is very amusing and has a great sense of humor.

Monday, March 20: My last day here. We drove down the lengthy road to visit Soad and Jack’s Cuban friends Orlando and Bobbie. They also have a farm with many animals.

We had a picnic lunch outside Included chicken, incredible fresh squeezed OJ (I had 3 glasses) Cuban crackers, something like chicken fingers, and other Cuban food.

It was here on Orlando’s farm I got the wonderful opportunity to feed a baby goat with a bottle. They’re so cute —they make a little sound that sounds like "maaaaa" and way their tails when they feed. They really suck down the bottle!

We dropped Jack home, then went to another friend's house, who raises alligators. It’s not often I can say I was charged by an EMU, but that happened. Many of the farms we visited are very ramshackle, and look, well, very poor. This other friend (name escapes me) is about 60 and married his current wife when she was 13. Good Lord!

Her kids, Jack and Maria, are very polite. Jack called me “Mr. Bob” so I called him “Mr. Jack.” He showed me the alligators, some as long as 10 feet, which are kept in large concrete bunkers. I walked along the top. The little guys looked like the raptors in Jurassic Park. I actually held a baby alligator, while Jack held its mouth shut. Those teeth are still razor sharp!

Sue decided to stay for a while; she and Soad need more time together. So I made my way home and left Orlando with its 85 degree heat and arrived in Providence to 28 degrees and snow. Nancy kindly met me and gave me a ride back to my car, and Sue enjoyed another wonderful week with her Mom.

What an amazing experience.