Life, itself, is quite the journey. Yet a short one. For the longest time, I held dreams and aspirations within, often suppressing them so I could be of service to others—friends, family members, employers, etc. I offered so much of myself to the betterment of others’ lives that I often sacrificed or relented my hopes and dreams.
“I’ll do it one day.”
A sentence I repeated relentlessly… until November of 2019.
November 9, 2019, to be exact. It was a painstakingly, life-defining day for me. It was the day my father took his last breath. The years 2017 to 2019 were, and still remain, a blur for me. When I received the call in late 2017 that my father had cancer, my knees buckled, and it felt as though the world stopped revolving. So many thoughts rushed through my mind, and it was as if I couldn’t see past the haze of emotions that blurred the lines of a harsh reality and disbelief. Those two years, I dedicated my life to try to save my fathers. Calling doctors across the nation, traveling multiple states, driving hours on end for new medications, countless sleepless nights researching potential cures; I would have given the world for him. I have not one regret. And, though, I couldn’t save his life. I realized I need to start living, actually living, mine. There are things I would change regarding how my father’s health and treatment plan was approached in those years – many things, might I add. But, as I’ve learned, there is no rewind in life. Life doesn’t have a built-in DVR. We cannot go back to see what could’ve, would’ve, should’ve happened. We have one life, one chance, one day – every day. Carrying regret is only a hindrance in the forward momentum in life. I cannot regret how things played out, though I wish with every cell in my body it would’ve ended differently; I have to accept what is and become what will be. I have to choose every day to walk in gratitude for the time I had with my father. I choose to cherish memories instead of mourn what could have been. And, let me tell you, it’s a choice I have to make every single day.
I remember the days my father would say, “have a seat, let’s talk” when I walked into his office. How I long for those days. I remember many of our talks revolved around the life journey. He was a man of innate wisdom. Many people would seek his advice and heed it. But of the many, beautiful, life pearls of wisdom he taught me – he taught me to savor the journey of life itself. Because life is, truly, short. He would remind me that our days on earth are numbered, but the impact we leave on people’s lives will last through generations. That resonated then and still does now.
It was then I realized I can do what I love while serving others. I didn’t have to relent one for the other. I reached a pinnacle, in life, when I realized my purpose was more about who I served and less about what I deserved. When passion and purpose collide, it’s the difference we make in others’ lives. It was, also, a reminder that time is life’s most precious commodity; may we use it wisely. After years of putting this dream on the back burner, here I stand. Today is my “one day.” When I think about the conversation my father and I had and the impact I could leave on many, for generations to come, I think of how. How can I leave a light that burns for years to come? How can I be of service to others, all the while, doing what I love? It was then, The Road Lace Traveled was born. Those who know me well know I live in written form. I can articulate emotion written in ways I could never fathom verbally. Pen to paper, or in 2020 hands to keyboard, is the best way I know how to connect, love, give, inspire, and encourage many I’ve yet to know through the equanimity of words and sharing my love of travel, the beauty of our world and the creativity of our creator. While The Road Lace Traveled is a travel blog, it is much more to me than just travels. It is also the journey of life. I’ll use this platform to speak to you, with you, for you. I’ll strive to encourage relationships, spark positive introspection, restore faith, renew hope, and evoke love.
My hope is that my writings would inspire you to be and my travels would encourage you to do!
So live with intent and travel often, dear friends. Be encouraged to do what you dream, now, not just one day.
Today is my “one day”.
Make this your day, too.
With love, dear friends… xo
I dedicate the start of this blog to my father, a man who loved to “get up and go”. I promise to travel the world for him and inspire many, sharing his wisdom, in the journey of life itself.
