I don’t love airports, planes, or the drive from Sacramento to Redding. It’s the smell, a grizzly mix of jet fumes, sweat, and industrial cleaning solutions. After every flight I take a shower ASAP to wash it away. Man was not made to fly, and somehow we did it. And, as unpleasant a process as it can be, I can fly from one side of the United States to the other in six hours. What a gift. I’m grateful to be able to live where I want to live and be back in South Carolina when needed. Since last August, I’ve made the trip back East five times.

I feel guilty for leaving my parents just as my dad ramps up his radiation treatments. My brother and sister seem poised to step up and help shoulder the load, so that’s nice. But, I feel for my momma. She’s the one who will battle the day-to-day ups and downs. (My dad is a fighter, which is great. It’s his instinct, but can be a bit of roadblock when anyone tries to help him.) One of my tasks will be to encourage her when she’s overwhelmed.

See y’all tomorrow, from the Golden State.