As I wrote earlier, James (#1 son) and I left Convergence about 2 PM. We going to see Tom (#2 son). James came along because he hope to get home earlier that way, since Mia was staying behind at the con until????? I really did not mind because:

1. Last week mia_mcdavid had done the visit, so this was my turn.
2. Having me do the visit, without Mia, was important in and of itself (see below)
3. My last hour or so at the con had been rather aimless. It just felt like time to go.

Rather than meet Tom at his group home, and deal with some of the issues we had encountered on such visits, I arranged with the manager to meet him at one of the Minneapolis lakes. Two weeks before a walk around Lake Harriet had worked out quite well, so this time he suggested Lake of the Isles.

As before, Tom really did not want to start on this walk. The manager had trouble getting him out of the car and he was crying when we met them. He was more upset this time and it took him to recover: Mommy was not there, and Daddy is not the same. Well, tough–his fixation with Mommy was one of the big factors leading to his moving out, and another good reason why I should do this visit without her.

We started walking at the Southeast side of the Lake, going counter-clockwise. It actually was not too hot, and for me quite pleasant. After a while Tom stopped crying and asking “Mommy?”, and just kept on walking. He smiled occasionally and even laughed a couple times. Basically, he likes going on a walk–it just takes a while to get him started.

There were some other reasons for going on a walk:

1. Tom is grossly overweight and needs exercise.
2. James does not get out nearly enough and so needs exercise.
3. After the con I needed exercise.

Before we were half way around the lake James was complaining and asking how much longer it was going to be. Tom, by contrast had settled down and was cheerfully pushing on. I was satisfied with this situation–the afternoon’s plan was working. This continued for the rest of the walk.

At the end we got back to where the manager had parked and he drove Tom back to the home. Fortunately we got to his car before we got to ours. I was concerned that if Tom saw our car he would want to get in it so I could take him to what he evidently still considers home.

I was pleased with the outing. I had been to see Tom and we both (eventually) enjoyed it. I did not regret having to leave the con early. This walk was worth it.

We got into our car and headed away. James said we must have walked 10 miles. I think the actual figure is about 3. However, he did get his wish: We got home well before Mia, who stayed at Convergence through Closing Ceremonies and did not get home until well after 6 PM.

The evening was pleasant. We unpacked and had a simple but pleasant supper. Unfortunately, as Mia wrote, the night was awful, and for a while actually terrifying. And, unlike Mia, I had to get early the next morning to go to work.