A Trip Without

For 25+ years, I never had to plan a trip without Q. Sure we went on trips separately, but we were both involved in the planning and executing of every trip we went on. It just feels downright wrong to be doing a trip without Q.

Quintin and I raised our children to value experiences, and we worked so hard to be able to provide opportunities for our children to get to live a life full of experiences that would hopefully leave a beautiful mark on their childhood memories.

We knew the memories made on trips like this would mean a lot to them, but I had no idea that it would be so valuable so early in their lives. I never thought they would lose their father before they even had children of their own. Before they were even adults.

If I could change it I would, but this is our life now and all we can do is remember the love we lost and pray big, because I am being honest… God is the only thing that has carried us through life since unexpectedly losing Q in April of 2024. My anthem for this season of life, “Faithfully” by TobyMac.

” But when my world broke into pieces
You were there faithfully
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You made a way for me
I may never be the same man
But I'm a man who still believes
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You were there faithfully “

The trips we took as a family are memories we will forever be grateful for. This is a picture of our family on this exact week 2 years ago. Our complete family. 💔

Do you ever wonder what your children will remember after you are gone? Kind of a morbid thought, but if I can encourage you. Give them memories, give them time. You never know how much time you have, so give it to the people you love. Not just on trips, but life in general; put your phone down and be present. Give them connection. They will always remember the time and connection you give them. Letting them know that they are your world.

When I say, “take the trip” it’s the concept of it (not necessarily literal)…. “Never miss an opportunity”!

More dinners around the table, making room for more car conversations by taking the long way round, living life intentionally saying yes to the simple things. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just say yes to the simple things in life to make memories with those you love.

This week we took the trip (literally). We are on a family cruise, but it feels incomplete. Yes my family is here and my mama heart loves this quality time together, but there is a piece missing. Their dad, my Q.

I know many people will say that this is a “first world problem.” That we are lucky to be able to go on trips, that many people experience loss but can't afford trips. And my heart goes out to everyone that has experienced loss and is dealing with the gut-wrenching grief that follows. And yes, I know we are blessed to go on this trip, many many hours of hard work has given us a life where we are fortunate enough to take trips.

IF you want to take the literal trip… save up for it by take $20 off grocery trip buying generic, saving your money by not eating out, cutting unnecessary expenses. Be intentional with your yes!!

It’s not about having the “money” it’s about knowing you have the biggest gift of time as using it wisely! Time is more precious than money will ever be. No amount of trips or fun activities will distract from the fact that Q is still absent. We are still missing him each second of every day.

But if there is one thing I know about Q, he would want us to be living our lives to the fullest. He would want us to have fun, to remember the wonderful life we had with him and he would want us to make the most of life after him. So we are going to dress up each night, and do all the things on this trip. Wishing he was here with us but taking each step knowing he would want us to live!

So as we sail through this week—laughter in the air, ocean breeze on our faces, and that aching void in our hearts—we’re choosing to carry Q with us. In every sunset, every silly photo & karaoke song, every quiet moment of gratitude, he is here. His legacy is stitched into the fabric of our family, not just in the big adventures, but in the little things too: the way we show up for each other, the way we love, the way we live.

This trip may feel incomplete, but it’s also a tribute. A tribute to the life we built together, to the memories we made, and to the love that continues beyond this world. We’re living out loud and living to the fullest because he would’ve wanted nothing less.

So if you're reading this and wondering whether to make time, to take that trip, to play the game, to sit on the floor and really listen—do it. Not just because life isn't guaranteed, but because love is the most lasting gift we leave behind. And time spent in that love… is never wasted.

Everything we do whether it be on vacation, holiday, milestone or every day of building memories… we will take YOU with us Q. Every piece of you.

Here's to living with purpose, loving with intention, and making memories that outlive us. For Q. Always.