It was 6 years ago when I made it down to Mardi Krawl in Tuscumbia, Alabama. This trip was unique… Unlike a lot of Toyota Landcruiser Association (TLCA) events, I have been too… I took the whole family. We had a blast. The kids played in the woods. Ate AMAZING food. We tent camped and found scorpions under our tent when we packed up. (Bonus!) We also learned about that wicked yellow mud!Just like all the other TLCA events I have been to… They ended the weekend with a charity auction. As event participants, we all love those auctions because they are always for a noble cause. This is the same no matter what part of the country you are in. Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, or Utah. All of TLCA events go to help someone in need.
I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams that my family would be on the receiving end of this kindness.
I have been hoping that all of our time in Memphis might allow for a quick side trip to MardiKrawl or Southern Cruiser Crawl as they are just a few hours away from our temporary home at St. Jude. But the timing for Summer‘s treatments have not fallen in line. Please know that we are forever indebted to you fine folks in the TLCA.
I told Summer that she has to get something that feels flippant and extravagant to raise her mood… She is thinking about it. I made sure that she knew this was part of the spirit of the donation.
Unfortunately, she will be trapped in St. Jude housing for 7 months starting Mid October getting more Chemotherapy… So… I think she is going to sit on it and dream of a trip or something when this treatment cycle is over. But, if she wants a new iphone or anything… I am game!
Thank You Louisiana Land Krewesers… You guys are amazing.
This said… I would be remiss not to mention STLCA and the Great Smokey Mountain Trail Ride. Andy texted me the night of the auction to tell me they had a special auction for Summer and had a check coming in the mail.
I texted Jason and Andy with question marks. I was stunned.
I really did want to make it to Mardi Krawl this year. Tuscumbia is very close (comparatively speaking versus central Illinois!) and I thought we could make a weekend of it. Sadly and fortunately, Summer was able to come home for that weekend. That is also has been the case for SCC. Summer is due back to Memphis the week after SCC. I am petitioning Summer to maybe think about going to Baton Rouge to see the Browns or New Orleans because its on her bucket list the weekend before SCC and combine it all. Maybe… Just Maybe you will see Treehugger crawling around Hot Springs!
If not this year… Next year will be my tour of TLCA!
