Missing The Open Air

Travel has been such a big part of the Black household, and we always plan trips and things to do for the summer. This summer has been unlike any summer we have spent as a family because we haven’t been able to go on vacation. We started prioritizing little holidays around California once we became fed up with quarantine.

Tarik and I dropped off our son at my father’s and went down to Laguna Beach and spent a week in just us. Next weekend we’re traveling to Palm Springs with my family also to spend time with the kids. Though we are gaining traction around California, I can’t help but think about how nice sunbathing in Italy somewhere would be. Drinking a Mimosa and eating some sweet potato gnocchi... parmesan cheese and black pepper, please.

I read an article about how Americans can’t go to very many places right now based on COVID and the intense political climate in America. This travel ban saddens me because summers are for exploring!! As I sat on this reality, God began to speak to me about how important it is to enjoy the seasons and times when you do get to do fun, exciting things.

I know; travel comes with its nuances. Some anxieties and frustrations will come with the long flights, especially with little ones. Fortunately, in the long run, it’s a minimal price to pay to end up somewhere beautiful at touch down. I hope that whenever travel resumes, as usual, I see people going places with their family. Playing board games, smiling, laughing, and eating that extra ice cream cone because who cares? Life is short seasons are short, and we have to soak in the fun and excitement while we can!

- Kennedy