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Simplicity ~ perspective

In this Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 photo, a dolphin named Molly, who is in her early 50's, leaps out of the water while working with trainers at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, Fla. Geriatric marine mammal care is becoming more important today as Molly and other dolphins in human care are living longer than their counterparts in the wild. To meet these growing needs, the center has established the College of Marine Mammal Professionals. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)
In this Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 photo, a dolphin named Molly, who is in her early 50's, leaps out of the water while working with trainers at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, Fla. Geriatric marine mammal care is becoming more important today as Molly and other dolphins in human care are living longer than their counterparts in the wild. To meet these growing needs, the center has established the College of Marine Mammal Professionals. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Time to think about vacations - and why they are important.

We seek simplicity in our daily lives, but vacations may be the best experience of that desired simplicity.  We leave behind our routine, our non-portable gadgets and the trappings we worked so hard to purchase.

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, I flew to Florida to be with him and accompany him to his doctor appointments. He told me he had to wait three weeks because the  physician was on vacation.

When we did meet, I asked the doc, “Where does a Floridian go on vacation? And why would you leave this paradise?”

He laughed and explained: “It is paradise to you. I went to Colorado to ski – my paradise.”

Vacation is all about simplicity and perspective. Time to start packing.

(S-R archive photo)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.