Happy Father’s Day to the one dad that’s been there through every science project and math homework, the genius of a handyman I can only aspire to be, and along with my grandfather the garden guru who I constantly seek advice for my budding flowers. He’s been to every high school musical, crew race in the rain and graduation in my lifetime, and I can’t thank you all that you have done and supported me through these years {along with my mother of course – the dynamic duo} But we also share an unspoken special bond reflected in our love and passion for travel, nature, art, photography, music, and food. I guess you can say I get it all from him, which is why our relationship may not be one of many words, it’s always about things that we truly love in life, and why I’m usually the one going alongside him to jazz festivals and art galleries.
It was only fitting through my weeks of procrastination, well more like the lack of time to write between work, out of town friends, birthday celebrations and mini vacations, that I share our trip to Mt. Lemmon a few weeks back when my parents where in town. When I first visited Mt. Lemmon, I wanted to see snow, be reminded of home, and this time although the ground wasn’t covered, the trees where in full green bloom and the fresh mountain air filled our lungs. My mom couldn’t get past how much it reminded her of Serra da Estrela, and instantly I longed to be across the Atlantic climbing the Torre. As my mother, steered clear from the cliffs, my dad and I, with our cameras in hand ventured off track, up and down slippery rocks, over trickling streams, and admired the unique rock formations that transformed to an endless sea of trees, as we continued our journey up the highest point in Tucson. 
The beauty of this trip was that time stood still. There was no rush to get to the top, or worry about lunch and what we were going to do later. We just simply enjoyed the beauty that was all around us, and savored the time we had with each other at that exact moment. That’s how traveling should be. There are no rules about it, but to take advantage of the opportunity at hand, and if you’re lucky to be experiencing with dear people in your life, than you better make it count. Which is why my father and I get along so well, because we can spend an hour looking into the sunset or photographing a flower, and yet still not be satisfied that we’ve seen every beautiful detail. 
The trip to the top is always worth it when you manage to enjoy a refreshing watermelon gazpacho and Mt. Lemmon mule at the Saw Mill Run restaurant. 
The one thing I’ll take away from this trip was just how much I miss home, and appreciate all my parents do for me. It doesn’t matter how long it may take, once I’m at the top of Mt. Lemmon for how brief it may be, I’m reminded of so many happy and wonderful memories from home.
So today, take a moment to look back, at all the little things dad has done for you and tell him how much he means to you!
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