Why I Said Yes to an Inconvenient Trip of a Lifetime with my Dad

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I live a very busy life. I own and run a dental practice of thirteen employees. I also write this blog. I have three boys verging on middle school age. Three years ago I turned forty and did the normal questioning if I would die with any regrets. I knew I wanted to spend more time with my family even though they live on the opposite coast and travel more. Becoming a dentist required me to be single-minded in my determination to get my dentistry degree. It meant saying no to many of the trips my friends were taking. It also wasn’t the job I dreamed of as a child–I wanted to be a travel photographer. So I decided to start saying yes to those dreams.

Norway itinerary thedailyadventuresofme.com
Hanging with my dad on the banks of Undredal, Norway.

I have always been a daddy’s girl. We have a similar positive attitude and appreciation for the beauty of life. And a real obsession with good food. As soon as we have a trip planned he is already talking about the food. Even though he lives in California and I live in Rhode Island we talk every day. He is super proud of my being a dentist and always refers to me as Dr. Jamie as a brag, so I know that he takes my job very seriously.

I had already taken a big trip to the Caribbean in February of this year when I got the opportunity for free flights for me and my middle son to Europe and the use of a car for two weeks. I was very unsure about taking even more time off of work and called my dad for advice. Not only did he convince me that I could not even think about missing the opportunity, he saw it as a trip of a lifetime because he wanted to join us!

Without being in a Moment of Yes, I never would have seen this incredible scene with my dad. Click through to read all about our incredible road trip through Norway. #AD #WellYesMoment
One of the most peaceful and prettiest places I have ever been.

It was an incredible trip. We travel so well together, cruising fast and unstructured. We decided each day to head in the direction that made sense to our desires at the moment. We drove through Sweden, Norway and Denmark stopping at every historical marker that we saw. On one of my favorite nights on a lonely fjord in Undredal, Norway, we found out that his mother, who is one of my heroes, but had a long struggle with dementia, had passed. It may sound strange, but it was the perfect place in the world to hear that news, and I felt that God had put us in this exact place to be able to endure this. My father was able to share his love of all sorts of weird fish with my son, his namesake. We all had the privilege of getting to know each other better in a new and different environment. The trip will be a blessing for both my son and me for our whole lives– I imagine my dad would say the same thing. And it couldn’t have happened if I wasn’t in a place of yes.

Hiking in Maine's western mountains. thedailyadventuresofme.com
Me enjoying the summit of Tumbledown Mountain, my first mountain summit.

Another place in my life I have been saying yes is in the food my family is eating. I want us all to stay healthy, so we can continue to enjoy each other and all the active trips we have in our future. We climbed our first family mountain this year– Tumbledown Mountain in Maine. I am still saying yes to my nightly ice cream, but we are trying to eat more vegetables and real foods. When we do eat meat, we are trying to find meat and dairy without antibiotics. Campbell’s Soup is embracing many of these ideals that 40 has brought into my life with their line of Well Yes!® Soups. It really helps a busy mom like me to have canned soup options to chose from that have antibiotic-free chicken, whole foods like quinoa and kale and come in non-bpa cans. They also contain no artificial flavors or coloring.

These soups in the right direction came at a perfect time for my family. My youngest son just became a vegetarian. Well Yes! soup gives me the option of feeding my two older a cleaner  chicken noodle soup, while easily dealing with my youngest’s dietary needs since Well Yes! has vegan and vegetarian varieties.

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Although there were many obstacles in the way, because I embraced a Moment of Yes and had the trip of a lifetime with my dad. #ad #WellYesMoment

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17 thoughts on “Why I Said Yes to an Inconvenient Trip of a Lifetime with my Dad”

  1. Firstly, let me offer my condolences for the passing of your Grandmother. But It looks like you had an amazing time with your Dad, I’m so happy that you could spend quality time together, especially at that difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Bless you to be able to take your dad for a vacation. I remember my sister and I took my parents to Israel and Europe. Then after I got married my husband and I invited them to the U.S. several times and took them to Colorado, around Texas, PA, and Niagara Falls. What else can we do besides making them?

    Reply
  3. This is so lovely and a little personal for me. Growing up, I didn’t really travel so much with my dad. Now that I have a family of my own, and my parents retired, we make a commitment to travel once in a while with them. I want my children to have great memories with them and traveling is an amazing time to bond. It looks like you had a great time, and those countries you visited are on top of my list.

    Reply
  4. What a lovely story. I look forward to the days we can roadtrip with the kids and stop at every interesting sign, look out or historical point. Also I’m sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to be together at that time though. Hope your dad is doing ok..

    Reply
  5. There are always reasons that we can find to say “no” to things, aren’t there? Honestly, just from your describing all that you’re doing I was thinking about how easy it would have been for you to say, “that sounds great but I’m too busy.” Good for you for not doing that!

    Reply
  6. I’m a daddy’s girl as well. I’ve always hoped to one day be able to afford to buy my dad a ticket somewhere across the world and then surprise him with a trip for the 2 of us. Your trip sounds lovely! <3

    Reply
  7. I am Unabashedly proud of D.r Jamie for her many professional accomplishments, however, that recognition is not on the top of my list.
    I am amazed at her love of our Lord, her children & family, loyalty to friends , always being available, etc & all appearing seamlessly done at the same time.
    Her mother is the organized one.

    Reply

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