Dad 4 - Moving On

After returning to Boise, and in the short time I had left before returning to Africa, I wanted to spend time with my mom as well as fit in some other activities. My brother-in-law had tickets to a Boise State basketball game. I think I’ve only been to one or two games sent I went to school there. In addition to the fact that BSU beat the odds and won, it was fun just soaking in the atmosphere and taking my mind off other things.

I had also arranged with my two central Idaho siblings to head to the mountains for some time to hang out with them, rest a bit, and clear my head. If I had my way, I would spend ninety percent of my time in the mountains. As it is now, it’s probably one percent.

I headed up on the last Monday of November. It was dark and chilly when I arrived, though not as cold as it normally is this time of year. Uncharacteristically, there was no snow as of yet. Over the next couple of days, we would spend our time doing a lot of the things that I enjoy: doing outdoor activities, eating well and watching (American) football. There are times when skiing is possible this time of year but, alas, it was not to be on this occasion.

This would be the first time that I had spent Thanksgiving in the US in twenty-one years. As such, the holiday hasn’t been a big thing for me. I do enjoy the tradition and, in spite of all that has happened, I have plenty to be thankful for. 

 

Amazing Thanksgiving dinner

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During my time in Boise, I did fit in another sporting event. My well-connected brother-in-law also had tickets to a BSU football game. I couldn’t pass up this chilly opportunity to see the Broncos in action. Though they were clearly not at the level that they were last year where they made the college football playoffs, they did have a good game and won rather easily. Two BSU sporting events and two Bronco victories. It would have been fun either way but winning does make it more fun. 

 

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On Saturday morning, my sister took me to the airport. I checked in my bags and made my way to the gate. I purchased a pricey cup of coffee and sat down to collect my thoughts. I generally feel like airports either make me stressed or pensive. In this case, it was the latter. I thought back to all that had transpired over the month and was thankful that I was able to play a part in such an important family moment. From my dad’s last days, to his passing and aftermath, to hours of sorting through family belongings and heirlooms, to valuable time with my siblings, mom, relatives and friends. It wasn’t always pleasant, but I was happy about how it all worked out.

But it was time to rejoin my family in Nairobi and attend to some rather big things awaiting me on the other side of the globe.