Everything changed as I hugged both of them. Leaning down, my mouth next to Dad’s ear, I whispered, “Daddy, I’m done.” I felt it deep inside—in a short while, I wouldn’t have to be strong anymore. The steel fist would uncurl. I would hike the last miles because my hiker pride wanted to say, “I walked to Canada,” but having received Mom’s and Dad’s hugs, my journey north was over in many ways.
