World Traveling

I can’t believe it, my baby boy has left home for another adventure of a life-time. To go to the last great frontier, Alaska and attempt to conquer the tundra. After seeing his excitement after he returned from his summer job last year, I knew that he was hooked and it would be just a matter of time before he returned. But then again, after seeing some of his pictures and hearing some of his stories, I want so bad to take a trip up there after I retire. Terri and I need to spend some time together, so an Alaskan Cruise is in the planning stages. We’ll probably fly to Vancouver to meet the cruise ship to take the inland passage and up to Seward. Then I’d like to catch the train for an inland trip to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and then to the Kenai Peninsula. That will be the trip of a lifetime for ME, because I’ll probably never find anything to surpass it or the other trips I’ve enjoyed over the years. In my life I’ve had the unique experiences to travel with the Oberlin Choristers as a chaperone for three of their trips: to England, and Italy with Kyle, and Hawaii with Cory. Due to the time of the year, early summer, Terri wasn’t able to go because she was needed at work. But in my retirement, I hope to make it up to her. I’d love to take her to Italy. That is the most beautiful place I believe I have ever been to. Rome, Florence, Vatican City, all were spectacular venues to visit. Although England was nice, Italy was spectacular!!! If I was to return to England, I’d definitely take the Beatles tour and visit Liverpool, the Cavern, and then on to London. But one place I haven’t been to yet, that I would love to explore by bicycle, would be Ireland. Another place I would love to visit would be Omaha Beach, Normandy and the military cemetary there.

The only problem is time. I don’t know how much quality time I’ve got left. Not to sound morbid or anything, but after suffering one stroke, I wonder just how much time I’ve got before suffering another stroke, or heart attack. I’m trying to take good care of myself, but after having had one episode like the one I had in October, I think its only a matter of time before the next one. I feel guilty for having taken these trips without Terri, but she insisted that I go just to be there with our boys. I hope I’ll be able to repay her with at least one of the trips I’m planning. Before something happens.