The Trip Of A Lifetime

I just got back from a mini family reunion on my father’s side of the family. And for those of you that don’t know, my father died when I was 16, which means he’s been gone for the better part of 40 years now. And the Fricke side of the family, for whatever reason, hasn’t really kept in touch with each other over the years. So at our mini family reunion, which was to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of my aunts, it dawned on me that I hadn’t seen most of my aunts, uncles or cousins for at least 10 years, some I haven’t seen in 20 years.

As I was getting caught up with a particular uncle and cousin, his son, they told me about a family tradition they started years ago called The 10 Trip. As it turns out, my uncle would take each of his children, he has three, on the trip of their choice, anywhere they wanted to go when they turned 10. Now my cousins are all married and have children of their own so my uncle has continued this tradition with his grandchildren. So every time someone in the family turns 10, my uncle takes them on a trip of their choosing. Some have been salmon fishing in Alaska, others have been to Broadway plays in New York, wherever each child wanted to go.

Here’s where it gets interesting and here’s how my uncle, I think, has done a wonderful job in keeping his part of the family connected. Once you take a 10 Trip, you are considered an alumni and are eligible, probably required, to attend all future 10 Trips. As I was thinking about this I thought what a wonderful tradition and what a wonderful legacy to leave behind. You are creating an experience that each child will remember, I think, the rest of their life. They may not remember what you get them for their birthday or Christmas but they will always remember their 10 Trip and chances are they’ll tell their family, their children, their children’s children about their special 10 Trip. It’s a great way to make sure the family stays somewhat connected over the years as people grow up and spread out across the country.

One of the greatest experiences in life I think you can give your family is to create, if you haven’t already, your version of a 10 Trip. Take someone in your family on a trip, one they pick and choose, one they will remember the rest of their life.

Oh, and if the only thing keeping you back from doing this is money, get in touch with us. We need to talk and figure out a plan and strategy that will allow you to create and provide your own version of a 10 Trip for your family.

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