Some trips are carefully planned, leisurely paced, and filled with long stretches of relaxation. Others come and go in what feels like a single breath, full of emotion, purpose, and gratitude. Our recent trip was firmly the latter. It was quick, meaningful, and, in the end, a powerful reminder of just how blessed we are.
We started out traveling to Indianapolis, gathering with family for a reason that brought both sorrow and comfort. This was to celebrate the life of my uncle, Major Thomas H. Kerr, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2025. I loved my uncle. I will continue to miss our conversations.
This is the first death we have experienced on my dad’s side of the family. My cousins on my mom’s side celebrated their mother the following day. My mom’s sister, who died in January, was as equally a bright light in my world who will be deeply missed. I am sad, logistically, I was unable to be there with those cousins, especially at this difficult time.
There is something uniquely profound about coming together in remembrance. While grief is present, so is laughter, storytelling, and a deep appreciation for a life well lived. Sharing can be so good for one’s soul.
My Uncle Tom’s legacy was evident in many of the conversations that day. My cousin did a fantastic job telling the story of his father’s life. His stories flowed easily, with some polished from years of retelling. There were others that were shared for the first time. They painted the picture of a man who served his country, loved his family, and left an imprint that will not soon fade. In those moments, surrounded by brothers, cousins and extended family, it was impossible not to feel the strength of connection that binds generations together.
What struck me most was how natural it felt to fall back into those family rhythms. Time and distance often separate us, but gatherings like this remind us that the bonds remain steady. We picked up where we left off. We enjoyed laughing, reminiscing, and honoring a man who clearly meant so much to us. It was not just a farewell; it was a celebration of continuity, of family, and of the values passed down through the years.
From our time in Indianapolis, we shifted quickly into the next chapter of our trip. This was one filled with excitement and anticipation. We traveled to St. Charles, Illinois, to meet with our son, Seth, and his fiancée, Taylor, to participate in a little wedding planning. If the first part of our journey was about reflection, this part was about looking forward.
There is something incredibly special about watching your child step into this new phase of life. Wedding planning is often described as stressful, and certainly there are decisions to be made, timelines to consider, and details to sort through.
I am sure that Ann, Taylor’s mom has dealt with all the thoughts and feelings I cannot comprehend, but she has done a beautiful job handling every detail. She has done an amazing job of presenting them every option, and I know Taylor has enjoyed going through this part of the journey with her mom. Let’s be honest, at its heart, it is a joyful process. It is a celebration of love and commitment.
Spending that time with Seth and Taylor was a gift. We talked through their plans, listened while they shared ideas, offered input when asked, and sampled some fantastic food. I know the next few months will fly, and it was fun to imagine what their special day will look like. More than that, we simply enjoyed being together. Conversations flowed easily, laughter came often, and there was a quiet understanding that these are the moments that matter most.
What made this trip so meaningful was the contrast between its two purposes. In one breath, we were honoring a life that had ended, reflecting on legacy and memory. In the next, we were helping to build the beginning of a new chapter, filled with hope and promise. It was a powerful reminder of the full circle of life. I was reminded of how endings and beginnings often sit side by side.
While the trip itself was brief, its impact was anything but. We covered miles, moved quickly, and packed a great deal into a short amount of time. Yet, not once did it feel rushed in the ways that matter. Each moment carried weight, each interaction held meaning.
It is easy in our busy lives to wish for more time, to stretch out visits, to linger a little longer, to avoid the feeling of having to move on too soon. But there is also something to be said for making the most of the time we are given. This trip reminded me that it is not always about the length of the journey, but the depth of the experience.
As we returned home, tired but full, one feeling stood above the rest: gratitude. Gratitude for family, for memories, for the opportunity to come together in both sorrow and joy. Gratitude for a life well lived and honored, and for a future that is just beginning to unfold.
We are, without question, blessed. Blessed to have loved ones who gather, who support one another, and who show up, whether in times of loss or celebration. We were blessed to witness both the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.
It was a quick trip. But it was exactly what it needed to be.
