HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MY DAD!
Me and My Dad circa 1957
Today, I am in Paris showing my favorite city to several of my new found friends and travel partners. This morning, I’ve had a few minutes to reflect on just how I got the travel “bug” and what drives me to share my passion with others. I’d like to tell you about it…
My Dad (Don McGuffin) taught me at an early age to explore, to see what’s at the end of the road, and around the next corner. One of my earliest memories is staying at home with my Dad one day. I could not have been much older than 3 or 4 years. He was doing some work around the yard and gave me a screwdriver to keep me occupied. I reckon he said something like, “here, take this and go figure out something new.” With that new “toy” I explored a way to use it and gained a new experience as well. I wandered around to the backside of the car and took off the taillight cover, removed the bulbs, and was trying to figure out how to put it back together when my Dad found me. He took a photo of me and the taillight hanging by the wires, then we put it back together.
Later, I recall Daddy taking us on camping trips to the mountains. This was always an adventure to me and my family. I recall driving on dirt roads across the tops of mountains and Appalachian “Bald” hills just to see where the road took us. Often we discovered a new destination or scenic route. One time we took one of those roads and ended up in a rag-tag mountain “community” where everyone looked the same and stuck their heads out of their doors as we (the strangers) quickly tried to find a way out of this pre-“Deliverance” settlement.
I could go on and on with many stories of my travels and explorations with my Dad. They all end the same… we had an experience getting there and made a lifetime of good memories.
As it turns out, I am sure I would not be sitting here in Paris today had in not been for those early experiments, trials, errors, and adventures with my Dad. Thanks Daddy for showing me around and molding me into the man I am today!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!
Hello there, my darlin’ nephew ! Looks like you all are having a fantastic tour of Europe. Donna and John are sending great pix,an say you are really showing them a wonderful time. Now I kinda wish I had come, too ! Your Daddy story is so precious !! He and I just talked and we said we are going soon with you to Ireland and wherever you take us —- if you can teach me and Lana how to pack ” JUST a few clothes ” . Ha ha ! L o l — love , Aunt Betty
You are blessed to still have your dad! I travel because of
my dad too. Shortly before he died she encoraged me to
travel and not to wait until you retire or have more time or
money. He never got to do a lot he planned to do. I travel
because of him. Thanks David for making so many of those
travels possible. Miss not being with you this summer,
but will think of you as I set out on my first trip across the
pond without you next week!