Adventures with my Dad: A Legacy of Courage and Redemption
Growing up as a navy brat, life was a series of adventures and new horizons. My dad, a Navy Commander who started his career as a UDT/SEAL teams member during the Vietnam War and retired a years later having worn many hats over his 30 year career, instilled in me a love for exploration and the thrill of the unknown. Despite the challenges of my parents divorce, summers and holidays with my dad were a time of grand adventures. From driving across the country to diving in the Florida Keys and discovering ghost towns in the West, each moment was a heart-pounding adventure that taught me more than just skills—it taught me about life.
My dad's penchant for the dramatic, from attracting sharks and barracudas during our dives to navigating the precarious dirt roads through Engineer's Pass to Silverton, Colorado, always ensured that time spent with him was never dull. He imparted invaluable skills: fishing, skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and even the art of driving a stick shift. Yet, it wasn't all adrenaline and laughter. My dad struggled with alcoholism, a battle that cast a shadow over our adventures and brought its own set of challenges. But in his later years, he found sobriety, made his amends, and embarked on a solo journey across the USA in his camper trailer, proving it's never too late to change your story.
His decision to sell his house, downsize to a trailer, and travel was initially met with concern; we thought he had lost his mind. Given his recent journey into sobriety, we had concerns that the solitude might prove challenging for him. Yet, in doing so, he persevered and proved to be ahead of his time, embracing a lifestyle that many now aspire to. Following in his footsteps, I now travel with my family in our 30-foot trailer, a testament to the enduring influence of his adventurous spirit.
Tragically, my dad's life was cut short on Mother's Day 2004 in Moab, Utah, in a senseless act of violence. An encounter with a desperate individual, overwhelmed by personal demons and addiction, ended in a horrific crime that took my dad from us. He was stopped by a man under the pretense of needing help, only to be ambushed and murdered. The assailant, driven by a concoction of personal despair and drug addiction, claimed a narrative of unwanted advances as the catalyst for his actions—a story vehemently disputed by witnesses and those who knew my dad as a kind, caring man who lived to help others.
In the courtroom, the truth of my dad's character shone through the fabrications. He was remembered as a man who mastered the art of defusing conflict and who would extend a hand to anyone in need. His murder was not just a personal tragedy but a loss to society, a stark reminder of the randomness of violence and the impact of addiction. Yet, in the wake of such darkness, the legacy of my dad's life—a journey from the depths of personal struggle to the heights of redemption and adventure—continues to inspire.
As I navigate the world with my family, I carry with me the lessons learned from a life lived boldly, both the exhilarating highs and the profound lows. My dad's story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the power of change, and the enduring bond of family, no matter the distance or the challenges faced.
In sharing these reflections, I invite you to remember the people who've shaped your journey, those who've taught you resilience, courage, and the joy of adventure. Let their stories inspire you to embrace each day with the same spirit of exploration and hope. Share your memories, your stories of overcoming and adventure, as a tribute to those who've left an indelible mark on our hearts. Together, let's honor the legacy of the adventurers and heroes in our lives, keeping their spirit alive in our stories and our journeys.
