Day Seventeen

Dear Dad,

I can’t believe the day is finally here! I don’t know when on your journey you’ll be reading this, but however far along you are I am so excited to follow along with you. As you walk along this path, following in the footsteps of St. James, please take a moment to listen to all the ways in which I’m grateful to have been able to follow the footsteps of such an amazing dad – you!

So many of the memories I have with you are so special to me, because you have always made my life so extraordinarily special. From the memories I have of you taking us hunting for nightcrawlers to MaryCait guitar to going to see the Clydesdale horses to the big hug you gave me as I first left Ohio for Alaska, you have always made me feel loved and cared for. Even when you wake me up too loudly in the mornings for my taste, or you get in my personal space when I’m in a mood, I have never had any reason to doubt that your love for me is endless, and for that I am so grateful. Despite all of the hard things in your life, you have one of the biggest and most giving hearts of anyone I know!!!

It has been so incredible to have a role model like you in my twenty-three years of life. You’ve taught me the value of hard work, of putting my passion for something to use, for taking time to appreciate the cool things in life. I know I tease you endlessly about your love for tractors and bamboo fly-fishing rods, but your willingness and enthusiasm to learn something new are something I deeply admire. 

I’m so proud of you for the dedication you’ve put into getting ready for the Camino! From walking with you through the Metroparks and the Hinkley reservation to clambering up the side of Mt. Roberts in Juneau, I have loved spending time with you outdoors and discovering my own love for hiking and being in nature. I’ll be thinking of you from all the way over here in Bethel, and I expect you to take lots and lots of pictures for me to see! If you’re reading this while you’re still in France: Do not try to speak French to the locals. I fear they may kick you out of the country if they hear you trying to say that the chicken is sick or that papa listens to the radio. 

Take each step of this journey with care, and know that I love you so so much! You’re the best dad I could have asked for. 🙂 

Love love love,
MaryCaity-Didy-Do