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A Turning Point
April 14, 2007
Today is my dad's birthday! It reminds me how much I love him and the many poignant moments we have shared. Here is one of those moments I would like to share with you. I wrote this article for the Philadelphia Inquirer a few years back. I have often looked at this and realized it was the inspiration for Beyond the Bus Stop. In these moments I concluded it was up to me to create my own journey and take responsibility for my life.
After my third child was born, I was feeling like life lacked adventure. The otherwise adventurous person, was now living the suburban lifestyle and I felt as though I wanted to run away from this picture perfect life, which was was not feeling very perfect at the time. No one around me knew exactly how to help. Then an unexpected opportunity changed my life. I heard my father was looking for someone to travel with him for two weeks on a World War II Remembrance Tour. He initially asked the son in laws, thinking it would be a great guys trip. To my surprise, I muttered, I would go if no one else was able to travel. I am not sure why I said this because with three small children and memories of being a typical teen butting heads with her father at times, the odds of me actually going were slim. But, I got the call from my dad asking if I was serious. "Sure I am serious, I think!" The arrangements for me to go all fell into place as my loving husband and mother encouraged me to go. They would be there to hold down the fort while I was away. I was scared because what had I gotten myself into? The guilt of leaving my young children for a trip by myself was sometimes difficult. More questions came to mind as I ponder this overseas trip that I only dreamed of as a young person. What am I going to talk to my dad about for two weeks? How will we get along? But, I put the trip to faith and figured it was meant to be for better or for worse. After all, it was my chance to run away from my life for awhile. My two weeks with my dad will always be treasured. It was a chance for us to get to know each other outside of the family dynamics and as adults. It nurtured my adventurous spirit with a trip to six countries in two weeks. I spent time with amazing WWII veterans that shared their hearts and souls as we walked on the beaches of Normandy and through the fields for the Battle of the Bulge. I even took an interest in practicing and learning French with the locals. I truly felt like I was reborn and connected with my old self again. I came home with a new outlook on my life. The next two years were an adventure as I sought to make some positive and exciting changes in my life. My husband and family went along for the ride. I now know and feel I have a wonderful life that is filled with adventure and love. This trip was also the start of a whole new relationship with my dad. We have also been to Ireland, Scotland, and Italy together. I tear up thinking about the memories my dad has given me on these trips. The relationship we have now is beyond what I could have ever imagined. I am so grateful that it was not too late for this father and daughter to truly bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, don't be afraid to go Beyond the Bus Stop, you never know what you might find there! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD.
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