A Trip I Won't Forget: Reflections on Family, Grief, and Growth

A Trip With Mixed Emotions

To start this article, I want to say that while I don’t regret making this trip, I do wish it had been under happier circumstances. If you noticed there was no article from me last week, it’s because I had to travel to Utica, NY, for a few days to attend a celebration of life for a family member.

This piece is more of a personal reflection — describing the experience, the emotions I felt, and the lessons I took away. I hope that by sharing it, anyone facing a similar situation might feel a little more prepared or understood.

Before the Journey

Before the trip, I was emotionally conflicted. It took place just days before my 25th birthday on the 11th. Normally, that milestone might be something to celebrate, but under these circumstances, it didn’t feel right. I was afraid any celebration would take away from the purpose of the trip.

Fortunately, after talking with my therapist and parents, I felt more at ease — and this was just before we left.

We drove to Charleston and stayed overnight at a hotel near the airport so we could catch our flight early the next morning. I had been told this would happen and had mentally prepared for it, so it didn’t bother me.

Navigating the Unexpected

Thankfully, our flight was smooth, and the drive to Utica went well. The hotel accommodations were comfortable, and things seemed to be going smoothly.

But on the day of the celebration, things got a little confusing. I wanted to go outside and get lunch, but I received mixed messages from hotel staff and family members about whether it was safe to do so. In the end, I decided to stay at the hotel. That moment reminded me that sometimes, it’s better to play it safe — and to trust your family’s instincts over conflicting outside advice.

A Quiet Celebration

When my birthday did roll around, I applied what I’d learned. I made it to the hotel lobby early enough to order lunch and ended up dining with two other guests and their mother — a simple but meaningful celebration.

That evening, I reunited with my parents at the Stonebridge Golf Club following the final round of the Tall Dog Open. My 25th birthday celebration was a bit more “high-key” than I expected, but I appreciated the effort and the time spent with family.

Heading Home With Gratitude

The next day marked the start of our journey back home. We had a small picnic at my aunt and uncle’s house before heading to a Holiday Inn for the night. I ordered Domino’s pizza and went to bed early — because we had to wake up at 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight.

We cut it close getting to the airport, especially with a long baggage check line, and I was definitely anxious watching the time tick away. But we made it.

That’s the thing about trips like this — especially ones with emotional weight. As I’ve said in a previous article, you really do have to expect the unexpected, stay patient, and work with whatever life hands you.

It wasn’t the easiest trip, but I’m grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the time with loved ones.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back next week with another article for sure.