Escaping the Everyday

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there, whether they are here with us in spirit or in person or whatever your situation may be!

This may not be the normal adventure blog you’ll find from me, but I wanted to dedicate a special blog to my dad and what better time than Father’s Day.

I decided to travel back to Boston to visit my dad for a long weekend. Originally, I wasn’t planning on coming back for it but a few years ago he was diagnosed with early on set dementia but then we soon realized it was actually Lewy Body dementia. I’m not a doctor or anything but my understanding (with a little research) is it’s a brain disease that effects memory, thinking, movement, hallucinations, behavior and mood. I’m not going to go into the details out of respect for my dad because even though this effects his everyday it’s not how he wants people to see him.

Anyways, I wanted to spend Father’s Day with him because you never truly know how many more holidays you’ll have with someone. Life is so short, and you never truly know how long you have or how long a loved one has whether they’re healthy or their health is declining. Embrace those moments while you can ❤

So, I flew out of Bozeman on Thursday to catch a 5:30am flight! Of course, all the cheaper flights are at the crack of dawn, but this would land me in Boston around 2pm which was actually perfect!

My dad was so surprised and so excited to see me which melts my heart.

Moseleys Woods Park

On Friday morning we took a stroll at Moseleys Woods Park in Newburyport, MA. It was an absolutely beautiful trail along the Merrimack River. It was funny because as we were walking along the path, we came across Laurie’s niece and her dog. We couldn’t believe it because it was just one of those “what a small world!” moments. It was good to see her and catch up as it’s been a year or so since I’ve seen her.

I was telling my dad that Cassie would have LOVED this trail. There were a lot of dogs walking along the trail, and I wish I could have pet them all, but they were enjoying the sun and fresh air.

Richardson’s Ice Cream

For lunch, Dad wanted ice cream so what Dad wants, Dad gets! My chocolate sprinkles are taking over my photo below, but I got peppermint and chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles.

My dad got rocky road in a cone and gosh I feel like he’s been getting that flavor since I was a kid! Some things never change. Even growing up we would always go out and get ice cream for a special treat. Laurie got coconut chocolate chip in a cone.

It will certainly be a memory I’ll pass down to my kids one day. Taking them out for ice cream on a warm summer day, there’s just nothing better!

The Rev Bar and Grill

Apparently, I was terrible at taking pictures this weekend, which is a bummer, but it was a weekend where being fully present was more important.

I got a chicken parm sandwich and let me tell you… it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had a chicken parm sandwich that was gluten free and didn’t taste like sandpaper.

My dad got a buffalo chicken mac and cheese and he was pleasantly surprised! I think he really wanted his burrito at his favorite Mexican restaurant so I’m glad he found something he enjoyed.

Laurie actually got my second choice which was a salmon bowl with a whole bunch of different stuff in it such as quinoa, roasted beets and other items!

Saturday

On Saturday, Zach came over to celebrate Father’s Day with us. It was funny because everyone was joking around about it being so calm at their house for once. I said that’s because the “15 minute Tornado named Cassie” wasn’t there to get all the dogs riled up with her excitement!

She is something else but she’s starting to get better with controlling her excitement.

Anyways it was so great to see Zach and spend time with the family. I also completely forgot to get a picture of Bear and Waldo, I had to pull an old photo because they’re too cute not to share.

It was a typical day hanging with Dad; him telling his stories and us reminiscing on old memories. I know he truly enjoys bringing back some happy memories as some days can be really tough for him.

Laurie has been so patient with Dad and I truly have no idea what we would do without her. Whenever he was having an episode, she would talk to him in a way where it brings him back to real life and keeps him grounded. Gosh, I was a deer in the headlights with what to say or do.

He kept telling me how much Laurie does for him and how thankful he is for her and I can truly see that. We are so lucky to have her in our lives.

It was a great Father’s Day weekend and I’m so happy I had the time and opportunity to fly out there.