Mom came bouncing happily out of the house, followed by my grinning brother Brian and our wagging dog Cedar. The stories began, starting generally and then honing in on the fondest vignettes. Unpacking the bags would wait.
Time left on our journey dwindled to a point and receded away. The trip was over, but there was so much to remember and many thoughts to play with, expanding on them for the future. I was ready for a vacation from vacation, but I knew I would want to be back out there again very soon. Most likely too soon.
The journey opened up the world to me. It emphasized independence and “just making it come together” to accomplish a goal and an adventure. I saw so much, met so many people, and experienced so many new things, and yet this was just a small vignette within the world’s story.
It reinforced and ingrained so many high values for me, serving as guideposts for the future. Dad would have quit his job if his employer hadn’t given him the month off to fulfill his promise, and he made sure it all occurred through a determination and purpose that was inspiring. Mom and Dad had achieved getting me all the way through college. They supported me, my education, and my life to whatever highest level I wanted to achieve. And we celebrated with something far more meaningful than any graduation present I had ever heard from anyone else. It was all about family and being mutually involved in all of this, all together. We weren’t constrained by norms, but instead achieved our goals.
It was post-college and my first real job was about to begin. The stage of life beyond home was upon me. This journey was my bridge.
Thank you Dad, for having the vision and integrity to see our 10 year journey through, and sincerely fulfilling a grand promise. And thank you Mom, for being the supportive and caring home base for all our wacky ideas.
