September 25 is always a bitter sweet date for my siblings and I. It’s the day that my parents entered the world, one year apart. After my mom lost her battle with cancer, September 25 began to take me on an emotional rollercoaster. In one moment I’m extremely grateful for the amazing parents I have and I feel happy and blessed. In another I feel my mom’s loss heavily, mourn her death and think about how much different and better my life would be if she was still here. One of the greatest lessons I learned from her death is that though it may be painful and challenging, life goes on. In that spirit, my siblings and I were fortunate enough to plan a trip to Denver, CO to celebrate with my dad. Below are my favorite experiences from our short trip in Colorado.
Cabin Fever
My dad had never stayed in a cabin before and it was something that was high on his list of desires. After a day of exploring Denver, we traveled outside of the city to spend the night in the mountains. The best part of our experience was spending quality time together in the cozy cabin in the mountains.
Mountain Views
Because we went up the mountains to the cabin late on our first night in Colorado, the mountain views were hard to take in, but waking up to them the following morning was breath-taking. My dad’s excitement and appreciation was infectious. My siblings and I were grateful that we were able to make the trip happen for him. We then traveled to the Rocky Mountains for more beautiful colors, textures and scenes.
Mountain Pie
Food is essential to a good time. On our way back to Denver, as recommended by locals, we stopped by Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs to try Colorado Style Pizza, also known as Mountain Pie. It’s a staple to dip the crust in their authentic honey for dessert. It was delicious. When we made it back to Denver my dad was tired and relaxed at the hotel while our adventures continued as we explored night life and Oktoberfest in Downtown Denver.
Although my brother Brent, his wife, Tatyana and son, Blaise were unable to join us it was the first family trip we had taken since my mom passed and was truly one to remember.
Have you ever been to Colorado? What were your favorite experiences? Share below. I plan to return soon.
Hugs & Handshakes,
Jasmine C. Tate