One Final Destination…
I always joked, that like food products, we all have “expiration dates.” Little did I know that mine would show up with a vengeance while we were enjoying a family reunion over Christmas in New Zealand. I had my yearly physical in early December and joked with my doctor that I was good for another “10,000 miles.” All was well except with a possible bout of acid reflux, common among “older folk.” We arrived in Auckland on December 22, ready to celebrate a rare family reunion over the holidays. We even had a huge turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. We walked the beaches, ate ice cream each day, and enjoyed family time. Jessica had even arranged for a professional photographer to take family photos. Life was good.
We were scheduled to fly to Sydney, Australia on December 29th to see their famed New Years Eve fireworks. At this point I started to notice a problem with labored breathing and wondered if I was capable of all the walking that would be necessary in Sydney. We went to a local clinic where tests showed I had fluid around my lungs which somewhat explained the breathing issue. They suggested going to the hospital for further tests. Those tests indicated something was amiss and they wanted to keep me there. I resisted, saying I would prefer to go back to the USA for them. They said given my condition they could not authorize flying but if a retest the next day said things were stable, they would discharge me and I could make the decision to fly against their advice. I agreed and early the next day tests showed no deterioration, so we hurriedly left the hospital and headed to the airport to catch an 8:30pm, 13-hour flight to Vancouver B.C. where our car was. Surprisingly I felt reasonably well on the flight home – no ill effects and split driving home from Vancouver with Yvonne. On the morning of 12/31, we met with my local doctor who immediately sent me to the hospital where exploratory surgery revealed the sad news; I was suffering from stage four pancreatic cancer, which had moved into my colon, intestinal walls, lungs, and liver. Shockingly I had no pain or even an indication that something was amiss. Listening to the prognosis which had no viable life extending processes, I opted to bypass any chemo, etc. to try to prolong my life. My blogging days are soon to end…
Most of you know that I am a ‘numbers guy’ so I thought I’d share some in this final post. Since 1989, we have been on 152 meaningful trips, 34 of which were with my baby brother Gerry and his wife Sue. I started blogging for family and friends in 2014. Since then, I have published (and made hardbound books) of 34 different trips. Over the years, I found I had a love of the water and during our 56 cruises I discovered I am most relaxed when cruising. Regent 7 Seas was our favorite cruise line hands down – I highly recommend them. I was able to collect 110 countries (137 if you count territories) which involved flying almost 2 million miles!
I have experienced beautiful cultures, wonderful people, ancient history, stunning landscapes – all that have thrilled me. Beside historical places, I enjoyed seeing wild animals in their natural habitat including African animals, polar bears, penguins, grey whales, and bison in the Yellowstone winter. I was lucky enough to visit all 7 continents, participate in 2 polar plunges, and enjoy the “motherland” of Croatia on 3 family reunions.
I ran across this Jay Althouse song early in my life and it resonated with me. It seems apropos at this time:
I have traveled sea and mountain; distant pathways I did roam. Now it’s time, my friend, for journey’s end. I am coming home.
For my wandering now has ended, so goodbye, farewell, shalom. Now at last I’m found to you. I’m bound. I am coming home.
Coming home to see you again; coming home to you. With the stars as my guide, I’ll be there at your side. I am coming home.
When the tides are calm and gentle, when the sea is mist and foam, then I think of you with heart so true. I am coming home.
Coming home to see you again; coming home to you. With the stars as my guide, I’ll be there at your side. I am coming home.
I have traveled sea and mountain; distant pathways I did roam. Now it’s time, my friend, for journey’s end. I am coming home.
Final Reflections? No regrets. I have been blessed with a wonderful life. I’ve had the opportunity to experience many beautiful places on this earth with my wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. I’ve always loved traveling – exploring different cultures, gazing across new landscapes, indulging in great meals (always followed by ice cream or gelato), and pausing to appreciate the perspective that comes from stepping outside of everyday life.
My challenge to you is this: Travel somewhere you’ve always dreamed of. Take a trip with someone you love. Learn something new. Do something that lights you up and reminds you of how big and beautiful the world is.
Thank you to my blog readers over the years. I hope some of my adventures give you a little nudge to explore, to be curious, and to say ‘yes’ to adventure when it shows up.
Live fully, laugh often and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
