July 12th

I got up and sorted through my things. I was to interview my parents tonight before I headed out in the morning for White Earth. One of the ways I am learning to confront my own fear is by taking the questions I ask people outside of my family, and bringing them to the people close to me. I was excited and nervous to ask my parents the same questions I have been asking people across the state.


I met my parents at a golf course they play on often. The course is on the edge of Hennepin County in the North West corner. We found a room tucked away in the clubhouse and I interviewed my dad first.

My dad shared a story about self discovery after going through a divorce with his first wife. I listened to him talk about the fear of not meeting his expectations for himself about who he thought he should be. As well as his discovery of humility, and strength that can come from the unknown. He talked about the courage to move forward when facing the loss of expectations, family and love. Facing the fear of divorce had taught my dad to find confidence in himself at a deeper level. I was struck by the deep sense of knowing that came with this experience.

Next, my mom came in, sat down, and opened up for an interview. I started up the mic and listened. Her voice echoed a bit in the room as she talked through the choice she made to work in Hospice. She was afraid to comfort people facing death. With in her story I heard her realization of the intensity of connecting with people as they get ready to leave this life. She told a powerful story about our physical bodies and the basic connections we all crave as our bodies deteriorate.

Facing the fear of our physical bodies deteriorating revealed a truth to her about comfort that is present if we can look past the immediate and see the person. I was touched by the stories my parents shared with me. I am excited to ride forward into the rest of this journey. With a better understanding of fear and what happens when we confront it.