I am at O’Hare airport headed back to California, scrolling through my phone looking at pictures from my time here in Chicago.

There were sweet times; dinner with Tarah, (who flew in from New York) Jake, and meeting Mika, Jake’s girlfriend, for the first time.

As I look at this photo, I am remembering the simple but sweet mile walk on Michigan Avenue, holding hands, sharing giggles, and smirks.

I study the photo and think My kids. My babies are adults. They are living their best life.

I scroll through more pictures on my phone and think My clients. So happy I was able to see them too. They are family to me.

I hear an announcement over the loudspeaker, “Passengers headed to Charlotte, boarding will begin in ten minutes.” That’s not my flight.

I look down at my phone and scroll through some more pictures. My heart pounds a little bit quicker remembering the reason for my trip to Chicago. Dad.

My dad turned ninety this week.

I smile as I scroll through the pictures of his birthday party.

I scroll through more pictures, tears form in my eyes, my mouth quivers, and I think Dad has really had a wonderful life.

An announcement comes over the intercom, “Passengers on flight 2665, we are ready to board.”

I stand up, pull my rollerboard forward, It was a sweet week but a hard week too. I’m headed home.

“…So that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:3