Hello-

Corey here. I know-“but it’s Noel’s blog”. I do get on here from time to time when I need to process. And let me tell you, there’s lots to process this summer. See, this is our 26th summer trip, but our first summer trip just the two of us since 2003. No Henna in the back seat. Which means no side kick to laugh with while we wait for Noel in the rest stop. No cohort to meet eyes with and instantaneously know what the other person is thinking without a word passed between us. No one to make us stop mid hike to admire an insect for just being cool, while allowing us to slow down and just see things differently and to take in the moment.

But change is natural. And so are cycles. So here we are. Full circle. Just Noel and I again. It’s almost like our first trip, way back in 1999, but with more aches. We are even going west again. So I will be a bit sad, missing my Henna while also happy she is enjoying her independence. This is what we hope for our children, that they go on to have their own magical lives.

So I will concentrate on the positive. I am lucky to have married my best friend. I am also acutely aware of how lucky we are to be able to spend so much time away and together over the summer (and still talk by the end). I will text and FT Henna as much as she’ll allow. I will relax. Reset. Reboot. I hope this for everyone this summer. I’m hoping you are healed by the sunshine, get time to hug and love your families, and get to rest and recharge. This life and world can feel a mess and out of control, but I’m hoping for peace for everyone.

Thoughtfully,

Corey