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Daniel Dickson Harbuck

@localpassportdad

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HS💕of @localpassportfamily + dad of 6 FBI, Google, ~5 languages mostly speaking in hugs
🌎90 nations w/kids+50 states+63/63 Nat'l Parks🇺🇸
Christian

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india p. 1: asthi visarjan

my dad was never one to enforce a specific plan. don’t misunderstand me: the man loved and lived by a good plan. but the plan could be anything. “what’s the plan?” he would ask. it’s weird, how someone so very type a could also be so go with the flow.

but there was one plan he did ask for: that his ashes be scattered in the ganges — the ganga river — in a sacred ceremony called asthi visarjan, literally translating to bone immersion after death.

his death has brought a beautiful new appreciation for this heritage of mine — death is not a one day affair, a momentary thing. even the celebration of it lasts far beyond the funeral, both in ceremony and rites and annual rememberances.

two weeks ago, on july 3, we carried out my dad’s final and specific plan and scattered his ashes in the ganges. it’s a hard and beautiful thing to lay someone you love so dearly to rest — but what an honor to do it in the way he wanted and deserved.

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Loved having a few days to learn, discuss, brainstorm, and develop friendships. And love even more coming home to where my heart is.
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It’s easy to feel guilt or regret for going away and missing even a moment. It’s easy to feel guilt for not doing something outside of motherhood. Instead, I’m choosing to make it a rich season of “ands,” drinking in life’s blessings from a multitude of directions. Grateful for it.
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Happy Wednesday, friends!

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What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Our Christmas was so very joyous and, as always, imperfect; it’s the nature of lots of excitement and fun and little ones. And also - that’s so much of why it is wonderful. It is imperfect, even as we are. Giving my heart to these 7 feels at times trying (so much noise! Lots of patience required!) and simultaneously the very easiest thing in the world.

Christmas isn’t wealth and perfect gifts. It isn’t immaculate decorations and tidy longsuffering and unimpeachable kindness or even glorious strains of music. It isn’t even always remembrance in gratitude. Christmas IS imperfection, even as we are imperfect. It IS little ones, who remind us each day of the true gift of renewal, effort, delight, and mostly, sincere love.

Christmas is in the people, especially in the One in whom we rejoice and who reminds us of the gifts of all the rest. So very thankful for Jesus, for these kiddos, and the very best friend. Wishing you all peace and love today and always.
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#merrychristmas #merrychristmas2022 #christmas2022 #matchingjammies #harbuckiechristmastrees #harbuckieholidays

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There was only one quick opportunity to make this happen before my mom leaves until the next visit. So after pediatrician appointments and instrument practice and gathering snow clothing, we headed off for a quick 24 hours, almost 10 of which was spent driving.
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As we drove into the dark and as-deserted-as-I’ve-seen-it valley, there was something powerful and beautiful. We remembered my dad amongst the green giants lit by a full moon. It was healing knowing he’d be thrilled we were making this happen.

This was so quick but so special. Loved being here in this sacred place with my mama, Dan, and the kiddos.
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If you have a special, sacred place for your family, would you please share in the comments? I’d love to hear if you’re willing. I have more thoughts on claiming popular places for our own souls, but that’s for another day. For now, I’d love to hear of those places that bring you peace and light.
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#travelwithkids #seizethemoment #travelmoments #inspiredby #amongthewild #livetoexplore #lifeofadventure #ourplanetdaily #placeswow #goadventuretogether

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This baby angel turned 3 months old and had some special celebrations this past weekend with all her living grandparents with her in person with her. First was her Hindu cradle ceremony, a special event led by my mom, and next was her baby blessing in our church administered by Dan. Both honored her name, gifts, and heritage, and we feel lucky we could celebrate her with loved ones near and far.
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At 3 months, this special gal is so happy & sweet. Baby S is ridiculously smiley and has started giggling in the last couple weeks - possibly the best sound on earth. She sleeps 10-12 hours at night like a dream & still loves being swaddled. She loves playing with her siblings during the day. She’s finally not hating her car seat as much (thank heavens), which was sped along by hearing Indian songs from her Amma sitting next to her, which she loved. She’s growing so long & holding up her head like a pro but still wears newborn diapers & I’m hanging onto that as long as I possibly can. 😂 She’s finally taking a bottle again after 2 weeks of much effort, so I’m grateful but also absolutely delight in the sweet nursing snuggles.
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We’re all very obsessed with this little love & so glad she’s here. She’s been both a reminder of my dad and a balm of love and joy during this time and I’m ever thankful for her.

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joy and grief, entwined as one.

thanksgiving this year was one of the sweetest ever and a sharp reminder of who was missing. there was not a second where we weren’t all wishing dad were with us. and yet, we know he was, in each lovely moment of cousins playing, siblings bonding, babies adoring their amma, and adventuring together. but we so wanted him there physically, too.

each year, we go around the table and share what we’re grateful for. it’s a practice we’ve incorporated into our nightly dinners for months now, so our boys aren’t unfamiliar with the idea. for a long time, noah’s response was pie - not unreasonable, i’m thankful pie exists, too - and more recently, it’s whatever is on the plate in front of him. on thanksgiving, noah succinctly proclaimed, “ajja.” it’s a sentiment that was echoed all around the table. we’re so very grateful for his life, grateful for each other, grateful that we can embrace and deeply feel the joy and grief together. love these people fiercely. ❤️

#thanksgiving2022

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Our newly minted 12 year old! We loved celebrating N last week: pumpkin patch, our local theme park a couple days later, takeout Indian & boba, & a backyard movie party with his friends this weekend.

N, I've loved seeing your confidence bloom in the last year. You've always been a leader but it's been especially inspiring to see as you enter middle school & thrived with new challenges. Your curiosity & thirst for knowledge have been clear since you could walk & you're still drawn to all the books, all the questions, all the signs, & love sharing with others. It was one of my favorite things about your Ajja; you resemble him in so many ways (from physical appearance to timeliness to being organized & dutiful), but this has to be my favorite.

Speaking of, you're so responsible. You're always on top of homework & chores, & cheerfully & proactively jump in if there's a need. You’re a willing helper from cleaning to helping a sibling, usually without being asked. You're also an aware, helpful, & trustworthy traveler. I’m frequently impressed with how capable you are, & you’re great at taking a project & figuring it out. From following recipes to assembling furniture to designing solutions to Halloween costumes, you're a problem solver at heart.

You still love baseball, both playing & the strategy. You have an elephant's memory, & are always ultra aware of exactly what's happening on the field. You're no prodigy player, but pay attention enough to capitalize on every opportunity & use it to your team's advantage.

Your personality has really shined in the last couple years. You're fun!! And funny (& just a bit mischievous ;))!! I love hanging out with & chatting with you & going on adventures. You're honest & kind, inclusive of others, even-keeled, & an advocate for the marginalized. You understand nuance & depth. You've become a true friend, & I love it.

I've said to Dan for the last year or two that you're peak N at this age - I just love who you are right now. But I'm realizing that everything I love about you will just get better. I can't wait to see you become lovelier & more & more YOU.

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Classmate update # 10-11:

I love this two-for-one update for several reasons. If you knew Preethi and Daniel in High School you already knew they dream big and meet their goals with wide-eyed wisdom and success. Only a week or so after birthing their 6th child Preethi still made time to let us in on their charming life. Sit back and enjoy this one, it’s a beauty.

Preethi and Daniel (both West High grads!) currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area where Daniel works as a dad/Google employee/real estate agent & entrepreneur, and where Preethi works as a mom and travel writer. She runs a blog and Instagram account (@localpassportfamily) where she discusses conscious and educational family travel and social justice advocacy, and is currently writing a book with National Geographic on family road trips in the US. They are delighted to have welcomed their 6th baby a few weeks ago (and look forward to joining the next reunion in person).

They love spending their time planning & enjoying travel (they recently visited their 50th state and 2nd to last US national park), finding and reading a zillion children’s books, delighting in music at home (and digging deep for the patience needed to manage multiple kids’ practice requirements…), and exploring the many wonderful activities, food, and outdoor adventures in California and around the world.

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Thrilled to have Baby S join us earthside yesterday. More to come soon; for now, we’re just enjoying this perfect angel. Love from all of us!

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I’ve never had maternity photos taken before, mostly because I’m way too awkward. Still am. 😆 And I’d much rather focus on photos of a cute baby once she’s here.
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BUT we figured the last bit of a last pregnancy at least deserves a bit of documentation with our camera so here we are. (And by “a bit,” I mean at least 100 photos because it is statistically nearly impossible to get 5 children to look and smile at the camera at the same time.) Thanks to N, our oldest, for the adult pics, which were significantly easier to capture (though still graced with the aforementioned awkwardness, alas).
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39 weeks!
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#39weekspregnant #39weeks #harbuckiebaby6 #baby6 #babynumber6 #momof6 #largefamily #largefamilymom #momsofinsta #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunfiltered #danandpreethi #interracialcouple #interracialcouples #highschoolsweethearts #maternitypictures #maternityphoto

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I grew up mostly in Alabama, but my family moved away in the year 2000. Which is the same year that Alabama finally repealed its ban on interracial marriage, the last state to do so.
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Interracial marriage had already been legalized nationwide 33 years earlier, so it might seem like a mere formality. But even in the year 2000, just 22 years ago and when I was in high school, the amendment to the Alabama constitution only passed with 59.5% voting yes. 25 of Alabama’s 67 counties voted against it.
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I’m thankful for Mildred and Richard Loving, who fought for love and paved the way for so many others of us to choose it. I’m grateful for their efforts in allowing me to have this spouse and family I adore. And I’m really thankful to @localpassportdad for making this all happen with me and for choosing love, too. I’m so lucky to have him as a partner and best friend.
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And I also know there’s still so much work to do. We still need more education, representation, equity, redistribution, and inclusion. We still need more love.
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But for today, I’ll enjoy this love we have. Happy #lovingday .

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14 years ago, we got married.
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14 years ago, I was gifted with the opportunity to spend mortal life and beyond with my best friend, who was before and remains so today.
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14 years ago, we started the family that today we did laundry with, drove to baseball and swim with, snuggled with, became frustrated with, laughed with, tantrumed with, ate with, read with.
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Perfection in family life doesn’t exist, but today has me feeling ever more grateful for it all. The joy is tempered tonight but also feels poignant and sacred. Thankful for these people, and especially to do it all with @localpassportdad . We are so lucky. I am so lucky.

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