The TriDad Life

Dear Beanpod,

Throughout the course of your life, you will find that there is an inexplicable gravity between you and certain places. You find yourself intersecting with the same point at a different time, giving you the opportunity reflect on the years in between and ponder about what might be ahead.

For me, it seems that one of these “places” is the Lake Express Ferry that takes you across Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Muskegon.

I first took the ferry at what would become one of the most pivotal inflection points of my life. I was 22 and was heading back from Milwaukee after landing my first “big job” – I was about to pack up and move to China.

This past weekend, a little over 12 years since that first ride across the Lake Express, I returned at a new and different moment in my life. This time, your Mom and I were using the ferry to get to and from a short but important trip to Wisconsin to commemorate our “final days” before we officially become parents.

More than just a ship taking me across the lake, the ferry has taken on a more symbolic meaning in my life. Its a vessel that has very much transported me from one chapter of my life and into the next.

When I look back on that 22 year old that first crossed Lake Michigan on the ferry, I think about who I was then. The adventure of a lifetime was still fully in front of me. I had no idea what was coming, or who I would become. I remember being fully immersed in the moment, ready to take on the world. There was little to be considered or to be anxious about – only to explore and experience the unknown.

12 years later, life has changed. China is in my rearview mirror, and I’m heading into a new moment of my life. I’ve learned some things since my last ride, and now I have a permanent travel partner, your Mom. Unlike that 22 year old, on this trip, I find myself vacillating between excitement and trepidation. I’m thinking about this new reality of what I’m about to become – a father – and I want to be prepared.

Your Mom and I spent a few lovely days in Wisconsin on this trip. We didn’t have too specific an agenda. We heard that we could tootle around in Door County and experience the little beach towns on the peninsula, and we weren’t disappointed. We lounged on beaches, caught up on some reading, ate ice cream, and even admired some goats on roofs. We appreciated some beautiful sunrises, and the comforting sounds of the waves of Lake Michigan hitting the shore. It was a special trip that we’ll always treasure in our memory. The final moments before you, before our lives change forever.

I suppose those were the dominating, freshest thoughts in my mind while taking the ferry back to Muskegon on this trip. As we pulled into the harbor, I was heartened by all the people on the shore waving at us. A sense of calm and gratitude came over me. More than just being welcomed back to Michigan, I felt that we were being warmly ushered into this new phase of our lives.

I’m not 22 anymore, but I’m ready for this new and exciting adventure. It will be wonderful to perhaps have the chance to take the Lake Express Ferry some time in the future, with you, and talk about this moment that is now fresh in my mind, and everything that may have transpired in between.

See you soon, our beanpod.

Love,

Your Dad