"Takin' Dad out to the desert" March 2017

I thought I would take my Fathers ashes out to some Southern California deserts that I grew up going to.  They hold so many good memories of my Dad and my Family.  I went to Amboy Crater first.  It was so beautiful!  I am unsure if I actually remember being here as a child, or if the photographs my Dad took of us are the memory.  Either way, I was not compelled to spread the ashes.....instead, I picked up a small volcanic rock and added that to the velvet bag that my "Dad" is in......

Next, Joshua Tree.  This was really the main focus of my trip.  We came here often as a family.  I also came here many times as an adult with my own Family and friends.  It had been too many years since I had been here.  If you have ever been to Joshua Tree, you know that there is a longing to go back.  I didn't leave my Dad here either!!  I just want to keep him here with me in Yosemite, in my home.....I took a piece of a downed Joshua Tree to add to the bag.

I don't feel bad about wanting to keep His ashes all to myself.  I know how much I've healed since he's died......I really did think "these were the places to leave him",  but I guess the timing wasn't right........