Getting up today was interesting since my phone couldn't decide what time zone it was in. This made setting my alarm VERY challenging. Anyways I did figure it out, woke up on time (for us) and off to our next destination...Terre Haute to see the Rex.
On our way I wanted to stop at Turkey Run State Park, but with the heat, and a not-so-enthusiastic son, I thought against it. All the way into Terre Haute I was second-guessing myself, but as this trip has taught me...there seems to be a better surprise.
After arriving in town, we had a nice meal at IHOP, then decided to visit the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. Sam clued me in on this, and I have been reading a lot about it as of late, so it seemed like a logical visit. When arriving, we are told that an actual Holocaust survivor is now speaking to a small audience. Not only a survivor...but a survivor of Auschwitz, and if this wasn't impressive enough, she was a twin experimented on by Dr. Mengele himself. Sitting down I am struck at how articulate and captivating she is. I come to find out that CANDLES was actually her brainchild as she began to unwrap her fascinating history. Sam and I both sat absolutely captivated at her sad sorry...of being deported...of losing her parents...of barely surviving the experiments...of nearly being shot at the end. I think back how my own grandfather survived his wounds back in WWI, and how fortunate I am to be here. We were in the midst of a true survivor whose edict to "never give up" provided us with an amazing example of courage and survival. Sam asked quite a few questions as well...and was genuinely riveted by her story. This was exactly the effect I hoped this would have on him...and we are both indebted to Eva Kor and her example of survival, courage and forgiveness.
It was at this point that one of Sam's family members in Terre Haute called...Bill. These are my ex-wife's family who I visited often up until the divorce. I hadn't seen them in many years, and Sam hadn't seen them either. So we contacted Bill and made our way over to his house to meet with him and his wife Sue. We had a great time, and Sam was literally tacked by Bill's grandchildren upon arrival. We stayed for about an hour, caught up on each other's lives, and bid adieu. I was very happy to have made the time.
Now it was game time and we arrived at where the Rex play their games...at the same ballpark where Indiana State plays their games. The Rex are in the same league as the Dans, and just like Danville, and very enthusiastic and large crowd packed the stands for the game. Beforehand there was a roller derby exhibition in the parking lot which was comical, and these women we part of several acts from that point forward. We found some great seat right behind the plate, and watched the Rex win 2-0. Like the night before we stuck around for autographs and a couple of t-shirts. Another fantastic baseball experience.
It was at this point where I was offered White Sox tickets for the next day from my friend Brian's sister, Wendy. I said I'd talk to Sam and get back to her. After a long discussion with Sam about what to do, I called back to say we'd take them...but she texted back that her classy husband already gave them to a buddy since he didn't hear back from me. Needless to say I was a bit angry about this...at the very least we should have been afforded the courtesy of first refusal since we were offered first. I had to swallow this one since I know it wasn't Wendy's fault, but on-par with her husband Mike's behavior. Next time I'll just do a Nancy Reagan and just say no.
Okay, enough of that - off to bed and ready for our last day of the trip...wonder where we will show up???
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