Leave Town (but come back)

Sometimes you have to get away to realize how good you already have it.

My dad turned 75 this year, and for his birthday, my brothers and I decided to take him on a fly fishing trip. He’s really into fly fishing (especially buying gear), but maybe more than anything, he just loves the idea of it. Add his three sons to the mix and it became "bucket list" material.

We went to Oregon, floated the Deschutes River, caught a few fish, and re-told the same old stories. It was a really special trip.

Lucky me, right. That is cute, but so what. I haven't left town much the last few years. I can't remember being away from our 1-year-old boy for more than a night.

When I got home late last night it was more clear than normal how good I've got it. When I got up when my son cried at 5:50am, I was eager to see him instead of praying for 15 more minutes of sleep.

Here's the emotions that seems to come with every summer trip:

- The planning phase: full of hope. Everything will be perfect.

- The actual trip: always a change of pace that’s needed.

- Coming home: sometimes the best part — when the ordinary feels freshly extraordinary.

Making plans is work. Doing the plans is even more work. But the reward? Often so much greater than we expect.

Pick the sentimental reason to go do something with people you love. You can’t lose if you do.