One of the most important things that came out of this trip for me was how happy and carefree Jade and Jarron were. They trusted they would be fed and taken care of the whole time, even if I was internally worrying that something would screw up.
I don't want to be Debbie Downer, but you see as a kid, I endured just about every kind of abuse you can think of along with family issues that no child should have to deal with, let alone think about. Although it's been a long, process to trust and allow my choices, rather than my history to direct my future I'm grateful that I can learn from my own kids to let go and enjoy life as it's meant to be. Everyone has their bag of hammers to deal with and some of us have a bigger burden to deal with, but if the high-flying birds can be fed and the shortest redwoods can receive sunlight why can't we trust that we'll be taken care of no matter who tries to affect us and cut us down?
I believe our lives are a series of seasons and some may be longer than others. But if we learn from them (whether good or bad) to grow stronger and help others to enjoy life there is hope and love in knowing your experience can lighten someone else's load. This is something Jade and Jarron have been teaching me through their positive attitudes and zest for life. I know Father's Day just passed, and I couldn't have asked for a better gift, wrapped in daily ice cream eating bodies and non-stop chatter, than these crazy kiddos.
Jade and Jarron, thank you for all that you've taught me and will continue to teach me. Keep that thirst for life and keep spreading your joy like a dandelion's seed in the wind. You guys are going to definitely leave your impact on the world.
Like I said, this trip was intended to be a relaxing one, which it certainly was. But I got way more out of it without expecting much of anything other than some fresh coastal air a few hundred miles away from home and I'm extremely grateful for it.
I can't guarantee you'll experience Big Sur the same way, but if you're thinking of visiting here are a few places we visited (walkie-talkies not necessary):
If I may, allow me to leave you with some of the most powerful words I keep close to me,
"Don't let your fears stand in the way of your dreams"