FAMILY ROAD TRIP

Take a moment. Think back to last week. You probably rushed and hurried the majority of your week away - to get yourself out the door or the kids to their summer programs, to prepare separate meals for picky eaters or quickly tidy the house before the in-laws arrived. If you're like me, some of those days felt as though they would never end!

Now, think way back - to last year or even 10 or 20 years ago. Back to when you had all the time in the world to conquer your ever-growing bucket-list. If you're like me, that time feels as though it passed by as quickly as a summer breeze. The seasons have rotated many times over, years have come and gone and life’s phases and stages are a distant memory.

Life happens so quickly, doesn't it?

Recently, I was fortunate enough to venture off on an RV road trip with my father, my sister and a cherished photo of a loved one who will forever live in our hearts - John T. McMillan Jr. John’s favourite band was The Tragically Hip so when we heard news of their final tour, we knew there was no time like the present to set off on a once in a lifetime adventure!

We had packed the motorhome with the absolute minimal essentials and not an item more - 3 blankets, 3 pillows, 3 towels and 3 folding lawn chairs - we would worry about the rest as we went along! It did make for some interesting scenarios and encounters with colourful characters - however, I wouldn’t recommend this approach when heading out on a road trip half-way across the country!

It was easy to lose track of time on the open road. The frequent rest-stops, breath-taking scenery, constellation hunting, full moon intrigue, musical sing-a-longs and great conversations were enough to slow things down and allow me to appreciate the little moments we were sharing - both the mundane and heart-stirring alike.

Often times, when we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we don't make quality time with loved ones a priority... I suppose there could be several reasons for this - perhaps it's our daily obligations that keep us pre-occupied or perhaps it’s that we simply don't know what we're missing.

Create opportunities to connect with the important people in your life - to reminisce about old times or chat about future plans, to share your thoughts on this and feelings about that. Be present. Savour each moment. Do it slowly and deliberately.

In the words of the great Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip, "No dress rehearsal, this is our life."

For More Information on The John T. McMillan Jr. Foundation, click on the links below:

John T. McMillan Jr. Memorial Foundation

John T. McMillan Jr, Memorial Foundation Core Focus

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