In December 2012, a few days before Christmas, my Dad was in the hospital due to heart failure. At that time, we didn’t know if he would be coming home for Christmas. While Mom and I were bedside waiting for him to recover, I told my Mom I had a dream of owning an RV (trailer) one day and exploring the country.

Mom told me that was also my Dad’s dream. He thought owning an RV was the ultimate American experience for an immigrant. And in that moment, I knew what I needed to do: search for an Airstream travel trailer. As soon as humanly possible. After all, Airstream symbolizes the United States. What a perfect vehicle for exploration.

When my Dad came into consciousness, I told him about the idea. I showed him the Airstream models and floor plans. And in my mind, I think the idea gave him a reason to believe…to live a little longer. He was released from the hospital a few days later. And within a few months, I had purchased Airstream Bambi and began my series of “Bambi Bootcamp” to get comfortable towing a 3,500 pound trailer.

In March of 2013, I took my parents to Mount Shasta.

In July of 2013, we went to Lake Tahoe.

In December of 2013, my Dad passed away from heart failure.

Tomorrow, January 26, 2014, I carry on my Dad’s unrealized dreams as I start the first leg of a 4+ week journey of self-expression and self-discovery. I don’t know what’s ahead. But I know there’s something out there for me.

Dad, Butters and Bambi, Lake Tahoe, 2013.