1993 Goodbyes

Dad and I hugged at gate 7 at Ontario International Airport in July of 1993. Tears were shed, extended family and a few surprise friends showed up at the gate to say goodbye. Back when gate-goodbyes were still allowed. We were moving to Chicago--the first time. Two thousand miles would separate us from loved ones but the miles would not interrupt the love that flowed from one to the other.

Eighteen years later.

Dad has cancer.

He doesn't even know it yet.

Today was not a good day.