Sunday, May 31, 2026

2014 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 

Lisa was in the final stretch of completing her master’s degree and needed as much peace and quiet in the house as possible. I knew it would be easier to travel with both girls than to try and keep them quiet in the house. 

 

Egypt not only wanted to join her sister on her adventures, but it had become clear that Egypt also shared the same passion for travel, hiking, camping, and wildlife observations.

 

Saturday, May 30, 2026

2013 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

After Kellisa's cancer scare at the end of 2012, I wanted 2013 to be a big year for Kellisa. I had the idea of hiking a trail in all 50 states in one year and decided to make an attempt at that goal. 

 

We started with a 25K race across the desert in Big Bend National Park in January. Kellisa was the first wheelchair finisher in the history of the race. 

 

Friday, May 29, 2026

2012 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 After three surgeries in 2011, Kellisa was able to go another year without a surgery. 

 

We started the year off on the 1st of January with a day trip to the Okefenokee Swamp followed by a few local hikes, and Kellisa's first driving lesson in a golf cart.

 

Top Left- Chasing Egypt (Okefenokee Swamp)   Top Right- Julington-Durbin, Jacksonville, FL   Bottom- Golf cart driving lessons, Peace River, FL

 

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

2010 - Part II (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Lisa received an unexpected phone call in October. “We know you’re only interested in school age children, but would you be interested in a 16-month-old girl?” 

 

They needed an answer immediately. I was out of town on business when Lisa called. Without hesitation or deep discussion, we agreed that we were interested. I was still out of town the next night when Lisa called and asked me, “Where can I find a hammer?”

 

Lisa needed the hammer to build our crib, just in case we were chosen as the family for this little girl. Instead of saying, “You don’t need a hammer to build the crib,” I told Lisa where to find a hammer. I also figured we had zero chance of getting the girl.