In Memory

We've wanted to do a trip like this for years, but haven't been brave enough to do it. 

It takes a lot of time planning, time for Ross to take off of work, money for hotels and gas. Patience with each other. 

Ross grew up taking trips like this- not every summer, but a few times in his childhood. 

Once his dad retired, his parents would take three or four week-long-trips every summer. They drove to Alaska! Last summer, they drove to upstate New York and Phil rode his bike along the Erie Canal. 

But this winter, we lost both of Ross' parents. Phil and Geneva went home to be with the Lord.

Practically, this trip is us fulfilling their final wishes to be buried in the town where they met, married and had Ross. 

But even more than that, this trip is a memorial to them. A tribute to the way they would do things. Picnics alongside the highway. Meeting new people at hotel breakfasts. Bringing a bike along to enjoy a ride here and there. A mix of hotel stays and staying in people's homes- lots of people's homes. 

Phil used to keep a very detailed travel journal. On our honeymoon, Ross suggested we start one. I was lazy and it never happened. Till this year. The Gentle Family Trip Journal has been born.

Because when you lose people that you love, you want to hold on to them in whatever way possible. To remember them in whatever way you can. So this is us, hitting the road, for them.

 Obituary