peitience is a virtue

In about 15 hours I will begin a journey of a lifetime. This trip reminds me of the Hajj- the pilgrimage to Mecca. My task: to bring my dad’s ashes back to his hometown of Chiayi, Taiwan, in order to finally lay him to rest according to his wishes. I will literally be carrying my dad in a backpack until I reach my destination. I have already completed the domestic leg of the trip, having flown with him from Chicago to Irvine today. I was telling a friend earlier that all of this seems so surreal to me. It’s like a movie that I would totally watch, but would never believe to be real. 

I found myself talking to my dad, as he sat next to me at the gate. I asked him about what he thought of my work at TAF. I asked him to be patient and reassured him that we’d get to Taiwan soon enough. I asked him if I’d find the right man to be my husband. To that I knew my dad would be chuckling and telling me not to worry about such things and to focus on myself first. 

I wish that my DSLR could record video and that I was experienced in film. As surreal as my journey is to me, I know if I was awesome enough I could turn this experience into a documentary. Add in some footage of Taiwan’s countryside flashing past me while on the HSR. Edit in some chilled out music like “Sweet Disposition.” I can picture it in my head, but I can’t execute it. 

I can however, take pictures. Starting tomorrow, I vow to pick at least 3 pictures that I feel captures the key moments of each day. I want to upload these pictures on a daily basis, or at the earliest convenience. I want to take you all on this journey with me. I want to share these pictures with you because there will be moments when I won’t be able to put into words what I am experiencing. 

I welcome you to walk in my shoes for awhile. It may just be a week, or even a whole month. I hope you’ll keep me company. :)