Another year means treasuring more moments of shared joy
Our family is committed to making memories, no matter what the future holds
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Some families celebrate holidays and birthdays with cake and candles. Ours? We celebrate being alive with crowns, banners, and a little medieval pageantry.
If you’ve read my earlier columns, you know my wife Jill’s “live like you’re a tourist” motto is more than just a saying; it’s the compass that guides our adventures, big and small.
This time, it was my Jill and our daughter, Alexus, who took the lead. Last summer, they planned a day for the ages at Medieval Times, an immersive dinner and tournament experience set in an 11th-century-style “castle,” replete with jousting knights, galloping horses, and a feast fit for royalty.
For a brief second, though, as Jill, Alexus, her husband, René, and I entered the castle, a wave of sadness caught me off guard. It centered on the future. I thought about Huntington’s disease and the challenges it brings, not just for Jill and Alexus — both of whom are gene-positive — but for all four of us. It’s a future that sometimes feels heavy, unpredictable, and unfair. But as quickly as the feeling arose, I set it aside. Jill has always taught us to live in the moment, to squeeze every drop of joy out of the present. That day last summer was about celebration, not worry.
Inside, the castle was alive with color and sound. We donned our crowns and were handed flags to cheer on our chosen knights. Jill and Alexus had arranged a special surprise: Before the show, René and I were called up for a knighting ceremony led by the queen herself.
Before the ceremony, we were given the opportunity to choose our own title. René went first, and I followed. As we approached the king and queen, the squires announced us. As the king looked at what we had picked, he chuckled and announced us as “Carlos, the Dragon Slayer” and “René, the Protector of Dragons.”
When he finished, the four of us burst into laughter. Jill said, “Well, I’m sure that will make for some interesting family dinners.”
The show itself was a whirlwind of jousting, sword fights, and horsemanship, with the crowd constantly waving small banners. We feasted on roasted chicken and potatoes, eating with our hands and laughing at the novelty of it all. Jill and Alexus cheered wildly, clapping for our knight, their joy lighting up the castle.
As I watched them, I was reminded of who we are as a family. We are resilient, joyful, and fiercely committed to making memories, no matter what the future holds. For those hours inside the castle, our worries faded away. All that mattered was the laughter, the shared experience, and the love that binds us together.
We took photos, captured the moment, and left with full hearts. Jill’s “live like you’re a tourist” philosophy shone brighter than ever that day. Whatever challenges await us in the year ahead, I know we’ll meet them together — with banners raised, laughter echoing, and memories made, one adventure at a time.
Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.
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