I invested the time yesterday to look through pictures from 2023. It caught me how many experiences were captured in less than a year. Seeing pictures of my Dad celebrating his 96th birthday. His smile, his reactions to grandkids and family. Now, just over 10 months have passed, and he has deteriorated a great deal. He requires much more help and he is "tuned in" less frequently. He is ready and done and has been for a while. I am so damn lucky to have him as a Father, a role model, a hero for so long. Our relationship has been through the normal roller coaster of emotions and I regret how many times I disappointed or hurt him. However, he has always had a special place for me in his heart. I see it when I walk through the door. Others recognize it as well. I can't imagine him not being on this earth and a part of my life but he is gradually slipping away.

We spent a month in Colombia in February, a month in Italy on a remarkable trip in May, I was on the Northwoods July through October with renovation of our WI home, back to Colombia with my son and his wife in November, and here I sit in the library this early morning in Illinois. It has been a whirlwind of a year. So much time with friends and family - time with my favorite cousin from Omaha, time with our northwoods friends snowshoeing and traveling Lake Superior, exploring Italy with my brother, and Medellin with my son. Tons of memories - great experiences and it makes me wonder why am I so blessed. Why do I deserve this?

Today, the year begins to close out. It seems like the year has quickly passed through my hands. I see and feel things slipping away - my Dad, losing my aunt, losing people from our community up north, and see myself age. I am more peaceful than I have been for a long time yet there is a sense of urgency to experience more because of my age and the lack of time left. It has been nothing short of a remarkable journey. I am excited to see what is next.