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Retirement gave me a surprise second shot at being a dad—raising my daughter Anya in my late sixties and early seventies with the time and patience I just couldn't give when work consumed my life. This part of my story has shown me that life's most meaningful chapters often show up when you least expect them. I've found real purpose in the everyday moments of raising Anya, even as I've had to figure out how to work around my body not being as young as it once was.

Our family moved from a locked-down Thailand to suburban Minnesota, mainly thinking about what would be best for Anya's future and getting Gig her citizenship, but it hit us harder emotionally than we expected. This move wasn't just about changing places on a map—it really felt like coming full circle for me, returning to where I started after spending decades building my career around the world and raising a multicultural family across different continents.

Readjusting to American life brought a blend of challenges and affirmations. It wasn’t health or cultural hurdles that demanded the most from us—it was adjusting to a changed America and rediscovering how we fit into it. The familiar rhythm of Midwestern life offered both comfort and contrast. Watching Anya thrive in her new surroundings affirmed our decision, even as we navigated a different national atmosphere than the one we had left. We've carved out our own balance—immersing ourselves in Minnesota’s strong sense of community, while still escaping its winters for the warmth of Thailand. The most unexpected gift has been the revival of family ties once dulled by time and distance. Lakeside gatherings, occasional family visits, and the Heuring annual reunion have helped Anya form real bonds with extended family and given me a chance to reconnect with my siblings and adult children—quietly filling a space I hadn’t realized was empty.

What started as a "we'll just stay for three years" plan has turned into something that means so much more to me as I think about what "home" really is. While I still see Thailand as where I want to end up when all is said and done, these growing bonds with family in Minnesota have changed plans in ways I never expected but really value. My retirement story isn't wrapping up yet—it keeps taking new directions, showing me that even in these later chapters of life, there are still surprises around the corner, fresh starts, and the special joy that comes with being "Daddy Dave" all over again.

Chapter 11 Photo Collage