When Kreg and I embarked on this journey, we understood there would be a lot of uncertainty. We knew we could only plan so much, and that we would face opportunities and challenges along the way. We were aware that we’d have to be flexible and open-minded to truly embrace the experiences we’d have during our time off.
The uncertainty I was prepared for included missing buses, having to book a last-minute hostel or spending several hours at an airport on a stand-by ticket. I failed to prepare for serious events that could impact our plans more drastically. I rudely snapped awake when my dad became sick and required an emergency surgery last week.
I’d already looked at a flight to Mexico City for July 28. I had my guidebook, my packing list and my passport ready to go. I’d asked my dad if he would drive me to the airport. As always, he said “of course” with his loving and supportive demeanor. That same day, he started feeling discomfort. That night, he had a fever. We went to a doctor who prescribed antibiotics; but a few days later, the pain was so bad we rushed him to ER. From the ER he went to the operating room for surgery.
From one day to the next, my plans were completely on pause. Thankfully, my dad’s surgery went well, and he’s out of the hospital. Still, there are a lot of follow-up items that we’re responsible for to ensure a long-term recovery. This is something that none of us expected, and in recent days I find myself conflicted between emotions. I feel gratitude and impatience, relief and helplessness.
At the moment, I don’t know when my dad’s incision will heal completely. I don’t know how long I’ll be home to help my family with the recovery. I don’t know when I’ll go to Mexico. This is the kind of uncertainty I wasn’t expecting. When I start feeling anxious, I remember that no matter how much we try to prepare for the unexpected, there’s no way to prepare for it all. That’s life. This is part of the journey even if it wasn’t part of the plan.
Trails And Travels 