A celebration of life

In just two days I'll be heading to the mile high city to embark on what should be an emotional journey. My entire family is gathering in Denver to pay tribute to my father who passed away on December 31st. It was a painfully difficult holiday season and the past few months have been filled with such mixed emotions, but mostly sadness and grief. As emotional as it will be, this week's trek down memory lane (we all grew up in Denver and have since moved but most of our friends and some family are still there) will also be a chance to reflect on our childhood and our foundation.

Mile-high city:

Although we had a small memorial service in Houston in January, I think we have all been waiting for this event to continue with the grieving process. We will take my father's ashes to our favorite mountain/ski resort, Copper Mountain, on Friday, where we will hold a private family gathering, including the release of butterflies. We will then have a party to celebrate his life on Saturday, surrounded by family and our dearest friends, many of whom we haven't seen in years.

Copper Mountain, Colorado:
Finally, here's my father at the top of a volcano in Guatemala, which is the exact image I have of where he must be now, climbing mountains, breathing fresh air, taking lots of pictures, enjoying the wildlife and sunshine, feeling no pain at all, and smiling down on each one of us every minute of every day. :-)

To my mom, sisters, husband, nieces, nephews and my own dear little one: This trip will bring childhood memories closer to us, helping us end one chapter and begin another. A new chapter in which relationships and memories are so important, thus shaping who we are and will be in the years to come, taking all those lessons learned from such an incredible man and living life to the fullest!