Dads and Going Places
(a father’s day reflection on Dads and Travel)
When I was 10 years old, my dad took my sister and me on an epic road trip. As parents, we never know what the impact will be of the experiences we give our children. Sometimes, those experiences are completely lost to childhood memory. Sometimes, those experiences can shape the very course of their lives. I’ve often thought about that road trip from the Western USA to the East Coast, from Florida to Maine. I think that without that trip, I may not have ever found the love of travel I have now. It was one of those life-shaping events. My dad scored a win. He aimed for one of those huge memories for his kids, and he did it. Dad, if you read this: thank you. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating–thank you.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I try hard with those big efforts for my daughter. My wife, day to day, moment to moment, is clearly the better parent. Crafting, baking, parent-teacher conferences, even just paying better attention and being present, Mom wins. It’s not by chance either–it seems to be a combination of sincere effort and prodigious natural skill. I do try hard as a father—it's very important—but when I see a chance for a big win, I take it. Of course, I do have an edge with the family vacation, which seems to be important to fathers everywhere. Maybe it’s just movies like “The Great Outdoors,” “Vacation,” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” It does seem like dads, in particular, seize the opportunity to create something truly special for their families by going somewhere special. My professional experience also speaks to this tendency.
Right now, I am with my daughter in a luxury ‘glamping’ tent not too far from West Bali National Park. Her mom is at the infinity pool, and the kid and I are taking a little break. The past week has seen four countries, close to 20,000 miles, and many good times. I sincerely hope that this around-the-world trip does something powerful for her the way that epic road trip did something powerful for me.
So, this Father’s Day, if your dad ever took you somewhere and gave you a vacation you never forgot, thank him for it. Chances are, he took you hoping in his heart it would be the kind of thing you would always remember. “Happy Father’s Day” goes a long way, but a “Happy Father’s day,” that is preceded by a “remember when you took me to [fill in blank]? That was something I always remembered, thanks for doing that with me.”—well, I think that might just go a little further.
PS. I just read this a second time and realize I have another thank you headed out to my Dad. He actually took me a lot of places. There are six, well, five of us now. He’s orchestrated trips for the whole family at large expense and effort on his part. So I also have an ethic about sharing travel with family I also owe to him. So Dad, thanks for that too. Oh, and thanks one last time for exposing me so much to the world of Luxury hotels as a kid. Who knew I’d end up being a professional about that? At the time, it was just about the great pool and amazing breakfast buffet.
PPS. I am so spoiled about breakfast buffets I seriously do not think it qualifies as “brunch” if there isn’t at least one manned station serving omelettes, crepes or what have you. Thanks for that too, Dad.
