Gypsy Road trips; you never know exactly what you’ll find along the way. On our way to the 2014 Travelers Conference in Las Vegas, the Gypsy Nurse and crew took a cross country road trip. There were mishaps and adventures all along the way but one particular stop deserves some special attention.
Route 66 Seligman Arizona
Because of tight time-lines, our GN crew had to split up in Arizona and I (The Gypsy Nurse) had to high-tail it to Las Vegas to begin set-up and preparations for the upcoming Travelers Conference. Not wanting the rest of the crew to miss out on the Route 66 icons all along Route 66 in Arizona our fellow Gypsy’s Michelle Lane, CNA, Gypsy Nurse Ambassador and Crystal Austin, Atlas Medstaff continued on the slow route.
During one of their many stops along the way, they wandered into a little shop along Route 66 Seligman Arizona
“Return to the 50’s”. Like everywhere, Michelle struck up conversation with the lady working (which ended up being the owner). On hearing what our crew was doing and how we hope to assist and promote the community of travelers, Ms.Sickels (hereafter known as Marianne), decided that she wanted to participate.
Return to the 50’s provided nearly $200 worth of merchandise for the Gypsy Nurse to use as giveaways during our Pre-Conference events! These items included several Route 66 T-Shirts, Hats, and a collectable Knife set. Why idd she do this? I don’t really know? She wasn’t doing it for promotion, she didn’t have any true reason that I can think of. Other than supporting the community.
When I left Las Vegas after Conference, I felt that I NEEDED to stop by and personally thank this kind hearted individual. When I arrived, I was greeted with smiles and the comfortable face of a friend, even though we had never met. Marianne told me that the reason that she felt compelled to give back was two-fold. First, she really wants her daughter to become a nurse. She holds a high respect for those in our business.
Her second reason will resonate with me perhaps forever…
Marianne told me that hundreds of people are in her shop through the travel season. She greats each one of them the same way that she did myself and Michelle, with a ‘Hello, how are you?” and a smile. She wass immediately drawn by the fact that Michelle took the short moment of time to connect by looking at her in the eye and responding. Marianne reminiscences on how many people walk in, ignore her greeting and then leave without making any personal connection at all. As she tells me her stories, it truly breaks my heart. This beautiful woman wants nothing more than a simple ‘hello’ and eye contact and so many can’t take time to give it.
Although it was late in the day and I’m sure she was anxious to close the store and return home for dinner, Marianne and I chatted about the area, the local people, and our GN Trip and mission. Before leaving, we (The Gypsy Nurse Community) were invited to return and also told that if we wanted to do this again next year, she would be thrilled to do a BBQ for our group!
Marianne’s words stick with me every time I walk into a store now. I make certain to take an extra moment to meet the eyes of those that great me and say ‘Hello’. If you ever happen to find yourself in Seiglman Arizona, please stop by ‘Return to the 50’s’ and say hello from her now Gypsy Nurse Family! And don’t forget to look her in the eye and make a connection!
Return to the 50’s is located on Historic Route 66 in beautiful Seligman, Arizona. We offer a great selection of Route 66 Gifts, Souvenirs, Collectibles, and Memorabilia. We also offer Route 66 clothing, caps, hats, retro signs, coca-cola items, postcards, maps and cool unique stuff for your car. We also serve as a visitor center where you can get almost all of your questions answered and pick up brochures for other unique points of interest within a one hundred mile radius. At Return to the 50’s you will also see great original antiques and you will also be able to pick up your Arizona Route 66 Passport or have yours stamped at our store.
Return to the 50’s is located at:
22325 West Old Historic Route 66
PO Box 454
Seligman, AZ 86337
Visit Return to the 50s on Facebook
A Re-Discovered Life 