Chris Austria

It was nine months since my dad passed away. I was overwhelmed with sadness and grief. The vast green plains of Kidepo Valley in northeast Uganda were very healing for me. Surrounded by nature was the only place where I felt solace. Sunsets were a special time here with the golden amber light piercing through the pastel blue cloud formations. Being out here in nature caused me to reflect on life with my dad, and how much I missed his presence. I would not be out here if it wasn’t for his love and support. Even though he was happy that I found a beautiful country to live in, he still would ask me all the time, “Why don’t you come back.” but he always understood why I couldn’t. On this evening, I felt a strong sense of gratitude as I looked out at the mountain ranges looming in the distance. They were a succession of jagged peaks, like the spiny backbone of a petrified beast, piercing the horizon, creating a symphony of stone and sky. At his moment, I felt that my dad was with me right by my side. Memories of him in my parents room, practicing the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major enveloped me. I was always so proud that he was a violinist in the San Francisco Symphony for 35 years. I love you and miss you so much dad.