Meet the Birmingham Beauties

We had been on the road for three hours already and it was only 9am. The previous day, we spent over 12 hours in the car. With that much travel with an 8 and 10 year old, any opportunity to get out of the car is a welcome break, even if it's just to stand upright and stretch. 

Our stop this time was at a small Chevron gas station just off the interstate in Birmingham, AL. We almost didn't stop because the gas was 10 cents more. But as is the case with travel, there are just times when stopping, wherever you are, I'd mandatory. Such was the case with this 9am pit stop.

The first thing I noticed when we stopped...suddenly I was no longer the minority, Paul was. I immediately noticed the different styles of hair and dress, liking some and disliking others. I took Taylyn in to the bathroom and as I came out, I noticed Paul was having a conversation eith the attendant.

Any of you who know Paul know that this isn't something that would be out of the ordinary. Paul can (and does) talk to anyone and everyone. When I approached, the attendant (Wanda) told me how beautiful the kids were and she proceeded to ask their names.

 

In the meantime, more people came in, two being more very friendly ladies, Patricia and Sheila as we found out in the short time later. Patricia has a blonde Afro and lady swag to die for...she was hilarious just in the way she carried herself. Sheila was more quiet yet immediately started talking about the kids and her own grandkids as she sported her bright pink outfit.

We could have stayed at that gas station for hours and spent time talking to the three of them. In our 15 hours of travel, they were undoubtedly the most friendly people we had encountered, people who I will likely never forget. I was immediately drawn to them by their outward uniqueness, but even more by their immediate authenticity and friendliness.

Thanks Wanda, Sheila and Patricia (the Birmingham Beauties) for making Birmingham, AL our favorite stop so far.