Sitting at Torino airport at 4am, after a brutal 2 week travel schedule, it seemed impossible that I would be able to join the camping trip we planned with our friends. A repeat from last year's Father's Day camping, with hopes of not repeating the finale. Last year, the trip had ended in emergency phone calls informing us that our house had flooded (again) and it seemed to be raining in our garage. Long story and a long year of catastrophes later we wanted to regroup with another camping trip.
But I was so tired with a hectic weekend in Canada, followed by a back to back whirlwind tour of Europe that would bring me back home around 2pm on Friday. The plan was that I would quickly shower, switch suitcases and drive to wherever the rest were setting camp. I had no idea where that was or how long of a drive - but those were just details.
And that is why, sitting in the bland airport lounge at 4am, my energy and resolve started to fail me and I wistfully entertained the idea of allowing myself one night of rest in my own bed before joining the family next day.
What a miss that would have been. So glad, I ended up sticking with the original plan. Suvo and kids were planning to start around 3:30pm so I could start with them - if flights were in time, no wait with Lyft, quick shower and packing.
Unbelievably all of that happened and here we are. Enjoying an absolutely perfect weather and almost surreal day of harmony with the universe that we cannot really plan for or control.
Within 24 hours, we have packed in campfire, cooking, fishing, beach and water games, rounds of dumb charades, biking, hiking, some yoga and meditation, foot massage, and my favorite part - "lounging" on mats under a tree - the whole afternoon, and Diya felt inspired to paint this amazing picture to imprint this blessed day in our memories forever. Even Aadi, who was dead set against this camping trip, is enjoying beyond reason.
We are waiting to make s'mores as I type this blog. Diya is cuddling my back, looking over my shoulder, literally, and trying to dictate what I write. We are listening to Black Magic Woman - reminding me of her day care days when we had to pack the Santana CD from home for her and she dictated the choice of music for her toddler cohort, refining their taste in music. The years flew by but some things never change, thankfully!!
Could this day get any better? The song has now switched to "comfortably numb" … or is it just in my head? :)
(Now, all I want is to go back home tomorrow to a house that is in working order!!)
Happy Father's Day!
