I love music! There are songs that make me cry, songs that make me want to dance, and songs that bring me joy. Music soothes the soul, warms the heart, and can clear away tears within just a few beats. The power of music cannot be denied. When we listen to music our brain releases a feel good chemical called dopamine which has an effect on emotion, perception and movement. Music impacts our emotions, lifts our mood, reduces anxiety, raises motivation and helps lighten depression. One song that always lifts my spirits is this song, Why Walk When You Can Fly by Mary Chapin Carpenter. You might call it my theme song. 

Field Notes February 9, 2022

Dad called this morning asking if I could gather the family for a dinner tonight. He said that he had been thinking about eternity (without us) and he was afraid of the possibility that there was nothing after this life. I tried to reassure him, again, that there is something after this. I keep telling him that he will be pleasantly surprised. I truly believe that there is something beyond this life and actually it is more real than life on earth. But he doesn't believe, and he is the one, at 95, nearing that journey into uncharted waters. I was thankful for technology that morning. I was able to send a text to everyone and within minutes my phone started pinging with responses. Everyone said yes, they were available that night, even my great niece Chloe, who had to adjust her work schedule. I was so impressed that they were there for dad as well as for each other.  In the photo below: I'm standing next to my sister Gloria. She is standing next to my nephew Tony and behind him is his dad, Joe. Then there is my great-nephew Conor holding his son, Jameson. Next to Conor is my great-niece Chloe holding Conor's daughter Mia. Next to my dad is Conor's oldest son, Aiden and on the other side of dad is his wife MeiLing. 

These photos and the memory of this night will be good to carry into the future. No one knows how long they have on planet earth but at 95 you know that each new day is a precious gift that might be your last. Dad rarely feels well now and is experiencing anxiety. He ate well that night and was happy for a little bit surrounded by love. In the picture of him meeting his great-great grandson for the first time is a smile I have not seen in many years. Tender moments creating tender memories. 

I bought my truck in 2017 and then after quite a bit of research decided to buy a Lance camper in 2019. After several trips in the Lance I knew that this set up wasn't going to be right for me.  It was a bit top heavy, an uncomfortable ride, and a little bit small for me, the kitty, and my two dogs. And there were some things I couldn't get used to, like the way the stairs were set up. So I sold the camper in 2020. I had a camper shell, so in 2021 I decided to set up the back of my truck to camp in. I found some great examples on Pinterest and Youtube and I already had most of the camping gear and just needed to get a few supplies. But in May just before my first camping trip of 2021 my truck broke down on a very hot day and left me stranded. And after the mechanic said he could not find anything wrong with it I knew that I wanted to sell it and find something else. The mechanic bought my truck and started my search for a new vehicle.