Life is full of so many changes. Now more than ever, my life is transitioning and I am learning to let go of so many things. In doing so, I am lightening my load.

Dad was cremated after he died in 2005. (I know Mom was pissed about that!) Since that time, his remains have mostly lived on a shelf in my home. Dad never traveled much while he was alive. However, since he passed away, his ashes traveled from California to Virginia to Montana, Florida, Italy, and beyond.  It’s hard to say why, but this meant more to me than words can explain. I think Dad, comedian that he was, would certainly see the humor in this. For me, it was a way of keeping him with me. I wasn’t entirely ready to let him go. He’s probably in more places than even I can remember. I know they are all beautiful and special.

But now I am letting go of many things in my life. And that includes Dad. So last week, I took him on one final journey to the Eastern Sierra. One of my favorite California places, it was hard to decide where to let go of Dad. I finally landed on the West Walker River Canyon at the Shingle Mill Day Use Area — beautifully rugged, high canyon walls; rocky, bubbling stream this time of year but with winter rains a raging torrent. The sun was bright. Fall colors were just happening. And the temperature was mild — you may recall, Dad hated cold weather.

Quietly at the river’s edge, I released the last of Dad’s ashes to the elements. Eventually they will make their way downstream. Perhaps nourishing plants and wildlife; maybe a native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Interestingly, one of the interpretive panels talked about the “Waters of Life” as rare and vital. That was Dad, in better times. There was a major flood in 1997 that devastated the canyon habitat. Life is slowly returning here and now Dad will be part of that renewal.

Letting go isn’t always easy. I was glad to find one last resting place for Dad and let him go. At the same time, it was an emotional release for me as well. So if you’re ever traveling Highway 395 through the Walker River Canyon, remember that Dad is there with you. I always wave as we pass by.