Larry Parker was among several sabbatical recipients who shared their story in 2014. Here is what he told us back then:

Larry Parker had a clear goal for his sabbatical: to shore up his “four-legged stool” of life — spiritual, family, professional and life of others. Was it achieved? Absolutely, he says. Parker and his family took a motor home trip in the Lower 48 and Canada. A few of his observations:

“Losing the ‘Y guy’ mentality required me to become something else and that was simply a dad and husband enjoying time with his family. I was a bit surprised, and even a little concerned, at how easy it was to shut those thoughts off! The passion for the Y was still there but it was nice to experience not needing to almost completely identify myself with my work.  .  .  .

“Living together in a motor home requires a different level of respect than in a house. The kids could not just go to their room and close their door. Everyone finally accepted the fact we were going to be together, very close together, for the next several weeks. From that point forward, things became very cool as a family. Even after being home for three months our family still has this shared experience that bonds us. The phrase ‘The Trip’ is how we refer those weeks on the road. Those experiences have created a lifetime bond of fond memories.”

The whole family learned lessons, Parker wrote. His big one was “I love my God, I love my family and I really enjoy my job. The Y is what I do, not who I am.”