A trying week. Well, month. but nevertheless, trying.

For those who don’t know, while I am a West Coast native, it all started for me back east in Michigan. I have a lot of kinfolk back there, so it’s good to see folks when I’m back in that neck of the hood. Not so much when it’s for somber purposes.

When elder family members pass, it’s never easy.. especially when they have as strong a presence in the family as they do. However, they are strong to make us strong.. in heart, in spirit, and in presence. So, it was time to pay respects and head back east to the place where it all started.

Pro tip: never buy airport food. 

Ultimately, getting through TSA and takeoff, you get views over Lake Michigan and the rural areas..

Michigan’s a little different than California (if you couldn’t already tell). But I’m not talking about time zones, or style of living. The mindset is a bit different as well. There’s not a hustle and bustle, mile-a-minute pace that the city life shows. In essence, it’s great, since it’s not a continuous grind. On the other hand, if you’re not about the woods and nature and open life, then you can get a bit stir crazy. But you need the yin and the yang in order to find a balance. I just prefer more of the yang, you know?

The trip was to ultimately honor and commemorate the life of my grandfather. He was a remarkable man, and he deserved to be remembered as such. We honor his legacy by how we carry ourselves in his absence. We hurt in the moment, and will be shaken up in the time after. But we stay strong. We stay faithful. We stay positive. He always quoted Proverbs 3:7:

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:7-10‬ 

As I said, he was (and still is spiritually) a rock to the family. So, while we might have mourned during the ceremony, we do our best to keep with God through these times to keep our heads up.

This trip evoked a lot of thoughts. Time is fleeting, and things can happen in an instant. This has taught me to fight for what and who I want in my life. You only have one life, and I know what I want, need, and have to do with my future, my career and my destiny.

All in all, I learned a lot through this. We shall overcome, and we shall thrive.

On to the next misadventure. Let’s see if this next adventure can be a memorable one. #hereshoping