Q-Daddy’s Epilogue

My dearest Rangel,

It started out as such a simple concept.  Get in the car and go.  No reservations, no planning, no tickets.  However, it turned into more than I will ever be able to express to you.  It surpassed my every expectation and was so unique you couldn’t duplicate the trip if you tried.  Even if you travelled the same route and stayed in the same places, you would not have the experience we had together.  Not to mention how lucky we were.  Remember how the rain came after each hike, bike ride or other outdoor event?  For me, the places we saw and adventures we had are simply mileposts in a ride of a lifetime.  We met some fantastic people, learned some lessons and spent some special time together.

The special people we met were not famous nor had they achieved greatness, but special because they had a passion for something.  Remember Midge in Park City?    We asked her to take our photo and boom, it was her mission to turn you into Dorothy Hamil.  Not for profit, not for gain.  She simply loved to skate and loved to share her sport with you.  The picture below captures Midge’s enthusiasm as you learned the slide she taught you.

Midge and Rangel

There were other examples as well.   Maggie’s excitement for your trip and sharing of her local knowledge of Yellowstone Park.  Her Christmas tradition of soaking in the boiling river led to a rare and memorable experience for us.  Remember the crazy bird lady’s love for the Kestrel Falcons?  She watched the little birds all day long taking pictures.  And while we had just stopped to see the Pronghorn, she shared her telescope, camera and knowledge of her beloved bird with you.  Joe the rafting guide.  He had just finished school and was spending the summer doing something he loved, running rivers.  He let you row the raft.  He let you ride the bull (the front of the raft) through the rapids.  He even played tug of war with you, ending up in the river himself.  And of course, Auntie Ne and Uncle Ted’s love for the ocean and wildlife.  They went out of their way to make sure your first surfing experience was fun and special.  I don’t know what your passion will be, but I do know that whatever you choose to do in life, be passionate about it.  Also, seek out the people who have a passion.  Their enthusiasm and zest for life is contagious and energizing.  It doesn’t matter what their passion is, these are the people who get more out of life.  Find your passion and seek out people with a passion and you will get more out of life as well.

We also learned a few lessons.  I learned that you are a complex person with pieces of everyone I love in my life.  The strength, determination and perseverance of your great grandmothers, Mimi and Dede.  The silliness and stubbornness of your Auntie Ne.  The kindness, caring and compassion of your grandmothers.  The competitiveness and humor of your mother.  They were all in the Beast with me the whole trip.  With all these great qualities you will be able to achieve anything you set your mind to.  Remember those bike rides were you didn’t think you could make it to the top?  You did.

There are also areas where I think you learned about yourself.  When you are tired or hungry your optimism and energy plummet.  You become sensitive, irritable and defensive.  In the future, instead of lashing out, recognize these times for what they are.  A need to replenish your resources.

Mt. Rushmore proved to be a great learning experience for both of us.  Gutzon Borglum, the artist, devoted many years to the sculpture and died before it was complete.  We both came away astonished that this famous monument was unfinished.  Remember, success does not come easily and is the result of determination, relentless hours of preparation and a little luck.  General Custer failed to take the time to assess the strength of his adversary and he and his battalion paid the ultimate price at the Battle of Little Bighorn.  Prepare well and you will never fail.

While the people were special and we learned a lot, the most important aspect of the trip was that we spent the time together.  As you get older you will hear of concept called “quality time” or ”Quality vs. Quantity.”  Unfortunately, I do not believe I could have achieved quality time without spending a significant amount of time with you.  Just the two of us.  No friends, no television, no timeline.  Just you and I and some very special moments, including your omelette breakfast near Jacob Lake, wrestling in the damp grass in Park CIty, the quiet dinner in the Lamar River Valley (before the grizzly bear crashed dessert).   It wasn’t what we were doing, it was the time together.  The silent miles.  Waking up next to you.  Teaching you the hand motions to the song “Joy to the World”.   Listening to Tom Sawyer’s adventures on the audio book.  Even discovering the flavors of tuna fish and ranch sandwiches.  Thank you for all those special moments.

In the future I am sure you will fondly re-tell the stories of the places we went and the adventures we had.  They may not be as exciting as Tom Sawyer’s, but special none the less.  You may even re-read this site to remind yourself of some particular detail.  In doing so, I hope you take three things from this trip.  First, find your passion and seek out those people with their own passion.  Doing so will enhance your life as well.  Second, no matter how difficult the challenge, you have the strength and determination to overcome it.  Lastly, know that you are a very wonderful caring young woman and I love you immensely.

In good times or bad, in sunshine or a rain storm, I will sit next you you on that rock, under that tree, next to that river, lake or ocean eating tuna and ranch sandwiches.  Anytime.  Always.  Forever.

I love you.  Q-Daddy.