U2dyssey

Now that she's back, let's share that Fatimah's been gone for the past two weeks. She left the wonders of Cameroon to return to America, but for something Irish: the band, the social movement known as U2.

 

She has a long history with U2, having seen them first in the early 80s. Even then, she knew they had something to distinguish them from the mass of new-wave or rock bands, such as Duran Duran, Oingo Boingo, and the Cars. Sure, that's good music, too, but U2 has lived up to the potential that Bono has proclaimed for himself. And all I have to show for it is a T-shirt, albeit it pretty cool.

 

Steve stayed home with the Girls, relying heavily on the supporting cast, when Fatimah flew back to the States. She landed with her in-laws, then hopped across the country to her parents, then returned east to arrange the final leg of the jouney, with the realization of her U2dyssey drawing close. Meanwhile, the girls and I had our share of fun, with tons of play dates with other kids, games before bathtime nightly, new clothes (handmade dresses and superhero T-shirts), but with a longing for a mother who was very far away, even if she was always in our hearts.

 

Fatimah said the show rocked. It's been getting great reviews, and she said the show in Charlottesville, Virginia, was no exception. She went with my brother and his wife, who live nearby, and they made the most of their day. Scott Stadium, with barely 50,000 seats, was more intimate than other venues, such as Atlanta's stadium or Washington's FedEx field. Steve gve explicit instructions to return with a T-shirt, but only if it was cool. (As it was, he gave her a Batgirl T to wear to the concert, which has its own cool factor). And, 36 hours later, when she pulled up to Chez Royster back in Yaounde, she had not only the experience of a lifetime, but Steve had a U2-360 T-shirt.

 

That someone is devoted enough to a journey of pleasure to take two 18-hour plane trips is dedication. It also demonstrates adventure and pursuit. It is amazing that someone is that free of spirit at this age and in this age, and that's how Steve knows he's into something good - that he's found what he's looking for.