If I were to try to convert the amount of hours and days I have travelled alone into one large chunk, I am sure it would be months or maybe even years away from home.

We learn so many interesting things about ourselves when we travel and when we are alone even more. Some things are little like not having some one close to say good morning or good night to. Others are major like never knowing who the person next to you on the bus will be.

Some embrace these things. Others just learn to suffer.

A friend of mine introduces himself to those passengers close to him, strikes up conversation, and tries to get to know them. Personally, I do not do this. If conversation is started I will of course talk but very rarely would I begin the conversation. I think that we will only be there for a couple of hours and that we will likely never see each other again.

I normally opt for turning the tv on in my hotel room to have some noise around me. Nothing special, but at least its something. This lets us feel like we are not alone.

Sparkle has a habit that makes me chuckle and also wonder. She can be showering or watching tv or doing anything really and she calls for me. The first call is just a simple “dad”. The second is a little longer, and the third is even longer. Eventually if I have not responded we get the seemingly eternal “DAAAAAAADDDDD!!!!”

Today she was on the couch and called me. I responded with a “yes” to which she responded “nothing”.

She needs nothing specifically, just the assurance that someone is close by. Knowing she is not alone means everything.

We are all different. Some don’t like being alone others do.

Whichever you are it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that we can remember that we are not alone. Someone is always around. Someone always cares. Someone loves you.

Remember that we should always be there too.

Teaching our kids to know that they can be alone but that they are not alone. We will always be there for them, always ready to help, always loving and willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure they can fulfill their dreams.

They can always count on us!