In the fall of 2015, Dad began looking sickly at family gatherings. He was deeply mysterious about it, and wouldn’t let Mother share anything. Janet and I flew back to Kansas City in November just days before our visit with Autumn in NYC so Dave and I could talk to dad and find out what was the issue. He revealed that he’d been diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer and had been given only 6 months to a year depending on treatment.

I owe a lot to my father, and often find myself channeling him in one way or another. This blog and my love for seeing and experiencing new things are both attributes he encouraged me to do.  Doing trips with dad was always an adventure. There were many cross country trips that included detours to more natural bridges and balancing rocks than I can remember. By the time I graduated from high school I’d already been to 30 states. I believe we are the only family in America to go through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in one day.  I’m like my father in that I don’t have to linger in an area to appreciate the site and move on.

As I said, we went in the fall for Thanksgiving. Erik and I wanted a four generation picture.

Our plan is to get back to Missouri as often as possible to see dad in the time he has left. This weekend is MLK holiday and so we’ve flown back to Missouri to spend time with family once again.  My brother has been amazing in all of this. He lives in town so he’s able to help them with daily tasks as needed. I’m so fortunate to have a family that enjoys being together. Dave and I were close growing up, and pick up right where we left off each time we get back together.

 

The silver lining of these trips is our ability to celebrate our new station in life: grandparenthood.  We’re so blessed that Elizabeth has other grandparents that share her life as well! Karla and Janet are both thrilled to be a part of this child’s life.

I know we’ll be back in the summer as well. We will try to make every experience memorable .

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller