THE GPS

The GPS

Gets a Medicare Jet-Setters Groovy Rating

Written by MJ Reporter Willow LaMunyon

A crossroads is often used as a metaphor for the times in a person's life when she or he must make a life-changing decision. Ministers and motivational speakers often use crossroads to demonstrate the importance of making the correct choice.

There is something mystical about crossroads that caused many a myth to be born. One of the most famous stories is that of Robert Johnson, the blues guitarist. He borrowed a guitar and started to play, but he was said to be so terrible the owner of the club where he played tossed him out. That was the last anybody heard of him for a year.

When Robert showed up again, he had a guitar of his own, and despite a mocking audience, he took his guitar and started to play. This time it was with unsurpassed skill and talent.

Rumors were that Johnson went to the crossroads of highways 61 and 49 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, to make a deal with the devil to acquire his newfound skill. I personally wonder if practice might have had something to do with his ability. He became known for the devilish deal, and he played right along. Some of the songs he recorded were "Cross Road Blues," "Up Jumped the Devi," and "Me and the Devil Blues." There is a marker at the crossroad with three blue guitars.

I have no intention of trying to motivate or make a deal with the devil, but to me, a crossroads can indeed be devilish with a more mundane meaning. I have no sense of direction. There is no cure for this defect. This deficiency can make travel a real nightmare. Asking for help involves someone saying, "First you turn north," so forget that.

Maps do help if you don't mind traveling a hundred extra miles. Modern living has given me the freedom to travel long distances easily and only getting a little lost now and then. Thank goodness for the GPS. I have owned several brands, and they all work well. However, Garmin is my favorite. It has opened up the wonderful world of getting here and there without help.

I can navigate Tulsa with ease if I don't get near the downtown area, where my GPS enjoys sending me around and around in circles. I can go to the dozens of lovely towns all around. I enjoy exploring everything from small to large areas and everything in between. I can't wait to start discovering again. Once COVID-19 is under control, you will see me back on the road. Wave when you see a more mature woman with purple hair, in a burnt orange mustang convertible. That will be me out investigating some new adventure.

I never have to stop at a crossroads with tears in my eyes and shaking hands, not knowing if I should turn left or right or go straight. Wondering if my decision will get me where I want to go or lost forever on some winding freeway. The GPS gets a groovy rating from me with a big thank you for the freedom it allows me. I even like it so much; I named it. I call my GPS Marj.