Round two: the truck was loaded (again) with boxes, bins, and miscellaneous “essentials” for Jessica’s big move. This trip, though, carried extra weight—John was finally going to lay eyes on the humble abode.
We rolled up our sleeves and spent the next 24 hours transforming that little place into something Jessica could actually call “home.” Shower heads were swapped, window screens installed, cupboards repaired and painted, and even the front lawn got a much-needed haircut. If HGTV had been filming, it would have looked less like a polished home makeover and more like two parents in survival mode, fueled by sheer willpower and takeout pizza.
Speaking of pizza, we were lucky enough to see Abby that first night. She came over, stayed long enough to laugh, eat a slice, and receive a Father’s blessing from John—one of those moments that quietly makes all the chaos worth it.
Meanwhile, Jess had her own kind of “home makeover” happening: she and some colleagues were tackling Waterton’s Triple Crown hikes—Carthew, Crypt, and Akimina—all in the same 24 hours. Would I have rather been in her shoes? Nope. Not one bit. She can keep her blisters, mountain switchbacks, and energy-gel lunches. I’ll take my paintbrush and rusty screwdriver, thank you very much.
By the time we packed up to head home, the “humble abode” had been polished, patched, and prepped for Jessica to enjoy for the next nine months. Without us. Sob.
It was eventful, exhausting, and a little bittersweet. We drove away knowing we had done our part—making space, fixing what we could, and leaving behind love in the form of fresh paint and tightened cupboard hinges.
Because that’s what parents do: we prepare the place, and then we let them live the adventure.
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