A Father’s Day Reflection: Travel Moments with Dad

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend in Key West, I am reflecting on moments throughout Lucy’s travels where her dad has shared with her so much more than just the entire world.

A Collection of Moments

There are many moments that are worth noting and documenting but these brief moments I remember aren’t the ones where we pose in front of the Taj Mahal or where we flew First Class -although those are great moments too. These moments are those small in between moments during our travels where I think to myself I’m so glad you are ours.

I hope I never forget this moment where I watched you two say hello for the first time. This was the quiet moment where you both looked each other in the eyes for the first time. This was where for just a few seconds the rest of the world fell away.

We will always talk about how Lucy had applied for her passport at 2 weeks old to prepare for her trip to Curacao but it wasn’t the trip itself, it was here that you first put her feet in the sand and watched the sunset together.

When there are no books to be read you don’t mind sharing your paper in the Hong Kong Hyatt Regency Sha Tin lounge.

That time we walked all over Washington D.C. and I forgot to bring your black ergo carrier but you didn’t mind you wore this periwinkle baby wrap through Washington D.C. with no fear.

There are at least a hundred photos like this stored in my memory but usually you are holding the baby, the car seat and all the luggage. You are ready to provide a comfy place to sleep at anytime.

This was a rough ferry ride late in the evening from Hong Kong to Macau where everyone was getting sick and I could tell that you felt sick too, but you took Lucy and held her tight while I made a run for the bathroom. You can keeping us calm, even on really rough rides.

This was the trip to Thailand where Lucy took her first steps and you were there encouraging her the whole time.

Reading signs throughout hotel properties that also double as alphabet learning tools.

You have definitely shared your sense of adventure with us both like this time on the Great Wall of China.

And you’re always willing to share your food too, like this iced coffee in Vietnam that was more milkshake than java.

When disappointment arises you make the best of a situation. When Lucy couldn’t meet her Disney hero and she kept asking you “Why Daddy?” You stayed with her as she watched the other children meet, smile and take photos. You told her it would be okay and that there would be other opportunities and there was. This may seem so small and silly but to Lucy it was massive.

When I feel like I need some time to myself, you are there to give me as much time as I need and without hesitation.

I love how you have always taught Lucy just go for it and reminding her how brave she is. She knows that her Daddy will always be there to catch her.

And he will forever be telling her corny dad jokes.

Here’s to a Million More

As we celebrate dads everywhere on this day that has been marked on the calendar as Father’s Day I leave you with this small tribute to Kyle for the moments that have helped shaped our daughter into the strong, smart and fearless girl she is today. I hope we will be blessed with a million more moments like these no matter where in the world we may be.

And to all of you, wherever you may be I hope you have a very Happy Father’s Day.

-Carly & Lucy

Do you have any memorable travel moments with your dad or as a traveling dad? Share them in the comments below.