USA

The Mickelson Trail is a former railroad track converted to a trail system. And it also served as a quick University of Tulsa reunion.

Basketball has been my sport. My interest in the World Cup grew in 1998. Yet my first World Cup game would be USA vs. Wales 24 years later.

The endless beige horizons contrasted dramatically against all the green gliding under the plane now. This contrast of colors surprised me. The family had just left Qatar less than 24 hours ago. Now an over saturation of color attacked the senses.

Welcome back to the United States after the very real prospect of spending summer trapped in our house under the Middle Eastern sun proved to be too much after three and a half months dealing with the nuttiness of a pandemic.

A place emanates a soul and personality. Always. It’s picked up on the first stay. And even subsequent visit. It can be sensed. So, will I recognize you on my return to the United States?

I placed Dom (8 years old), Annie B (3 years old), and Momo (2 years old) safely in our metal steed for our road trip across the USA and then I stepped behind the wheel. In preparation for a road trip across the USA with three small kids by myself

Eventually, the essence of the man who was my father sticks with me. He was a fiercely loyal, loving, and proud father, overlooking imperfections of his kids.