Part Two - "Bless your heart"

Downtown Cincinnati

Sports Arena on my left

When I turned right the sign read "Welcome to Kentucky" but I don't have a picture. This was what I got. I'll take it.

After the unexpected shock of the Welcome to Kentucky sign, I continued south on I-71 which at that point was also I-75. Somehow, somewhere, probably while I was admiring the blue of the grass so green, and unbenounced to me, they must have become two because suddenly I realize I am driving on I-75. I regroup myself and start thinking back to see where I left I-71 but I can't come up with an explanation. I need gas too, so I take the next exit to find out what happened.

The gas station is on top of a hill overlooking more grassy hills and some houses. Beautiful. But where am I? I am in the United States of America I tell myself and go into the shop to pay for gas. A man in his early sixties is sitting behind the counter; a woman mid 30s who looks like she works there; and right next to me, another woman in her early 40s maybe. I don't know, I am trying to set up the scene. After giving the man the money, I ask him "how did I end up on I-75 when I was going on I-71?"

Before the man even had time to think about what I was saying, the woman next to me said "Bless your heart!" in such a way that tears welled up inside me. And of course I took this opportunity to let them know how far I had come which received another "Bless your heart!" Instead of saying "thank you", I said "I know, I know" smiling in disbelief that I have gone through four states in a day and a half. They told me how to get back on I-71, they gave me options when I inquired about motels in the area, they wanted me to stay in their town because I told them I don't want to drive at night. I thanked them profusely receiving their good wishes and blessings.

I went to the car, sat down and looked at the Atlas while in my head repeating "bless your heart, bless your heart, bless your heart" the way she said it. I relived it over and over it felt so good.

I now could see how far I had gone out of my way. I had been driving away, southeast, for about two hours. Which meant that to get to I-71, I had to continue south to Lexington, then west to Louisville via I-64. I didn't mind but I was emotional and hungry.

I drove to the next exit, where all the nice motels were supposed to be and came face to face with a Kentucky Fried Chicken place. I know, I know. I went in anyhow. You will forgive me but to each their own. I just wanted to be able to say that I had Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky. I said it.

It was different than your usual Kentucky Fried Chicken place. It was a buffet setting and it was way more delicious. Or so it seemed to me. Especially the spinach which was the best boiled spinach I ever had.

The people eating their chickens were like you and me. Not like the woman at the gas station. She was different. Her very blue piercing eyes and her red cheeks reminded me of the folks up in the mountain villages of Lebanon. People who live close to nature. I wish I had asked her name cause I remembered her throughout my trip and what she said warmed my heart and opened my eyes to a people hetherto undiscovered.

I would meet a few more like her on my journey but she still stands the closest to me on that hilltop overlooking the Kentuckian afternoon.

Bless her heart.