¡MEXIGOOOL!

Tonight, I listened to the game while packing for the drive back to the U.S.

Tomorrow, I begin the drive north through Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Matehuala, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo before crossing back into the U.S., visiting my son in Texas, and eventually making it back to Pure Michigan.

My nephew, who is in medical school, is coming back with me to help with the drive as I continue recovering. That means a lot. There is something grounding about having family beside you on a long road home.

There is also something beautiful about leaving Mexico after a win.

Today in Celaya, I saw men, women, children, and people of all ages wearing the green jersey in the markets. It made me smile every time. That kind of energy is hard to explain unless you are here for it. Pride, joy…belonging.

To support the vendors I almost bought another pair of jerseys, this time the patriotic green ones.

So looking forward to seeing the proudly worn jerseys along the way tomorrow. At gas stations. In a favorite small restaurant between Monterrey and Matehuala.

This is a nice sendoff after a full and successful trip. A lot got done. Construction decisions, family conversations, farmland responsibilities, repairs, and also doing nothing, just resting and walking the property. And right in the middle of it all, recovering from the unexpected hernia operation.

The trip also forced me slow down. Walk carefully. Recover patiently. Accept help. And, yes, reminding myself over and over to slow down.

Getting things done matters, but not at the expense of the body.

It was not only about tasks. It was also about people.

I spent time with family and friends. I felt the connection where there is real connection. And I also let reality show me where connection does not need to be forced.

Seeing things clearly is so liberating.

I missed my wife and son. And I have been deeply aware that my wife was taking care of things back home so I could focus on healing and finishing what needed to be done here.

She also carried some heartfelt challenges of her own while I was away. Some of those moments I could be present for by phone or video. Some of them I simply wished I could have been there for in person. It was a conflicting time for me not being there for the one I love.

Choosing a solid partner is such a blessing in life.

So yes, tonight the word was fun: ¡MEXIGOOOL!

But the deeper win was quieter. Getting things done. Healing as best I could. Staying close to the people where closeness is real. Accepting support. Leaving Mexico with gratitude.

Maybe that is the whispered lesson I am taking with me: stay present to the road you are on, do what is yours to do, accept help when it comes, and know when a chapter has been completed well.

¡Vida en Mexico!

Para leer esta reflexión en español, visita la narrativa en mi sitio.

My Auténtico Self™