It all started with a phone call, and the answer was no. Devastated? Sure, but one thing I learned was if you tell Noelle she can’t do something, she will find a way. And she did. Now you have to raise all that money? No worries. She’s got this. 

Me? Watching your baby grow up in the blink of an eye has been a little tougher. Having a high school graduate is one thing. Having that graduate plan a 9 month trip to the far reaches of the world is something else. As a parent, you hope some of what you taught them stuck, and it seems like some of it did. I’ve never been nervous, or worried while she’s been away- even when she got “concussed” at the start of Malaysia. Handled it like a pro. Now, the fun part- I get to see her in less than 2 months and I cannot wait to see the woman she’s become. I get to spend a week getting a small glimp.

Do we miss her? Every day. But she’s out there, making a difference in the world, experiencing things most folks dream of, but never will, and living her best life. At 18 - yeah, I’m a little jealous. But that’s ok. This experience will transform her forever, and will have a positive impact on everyone she meets. THAT’S pretty amazing.

One of my favorite lines from one of my favorite songs. First  time I heard it I immediately thought of Noelle. 

“The door is open to go through. If I could I would come too. But the path is made by you. As you’re walking, start singing and start talking”. 

Nothing is impossible. Now get out there and change the world!

Daddio/Mike