Reflections on a Journey to Come: In Search of the Vikings

As the five-year anniversary of our father’s passing approaches, my sister and I have taken time to reflect on our legacy and history. As the patriarch of the family, our father instilled lessons and philosophies that forged the path and lent the strength to build and carry on our family legacy; Since then, my sister and I have taken the helm in both guiding and nurturing our business and families, cultivating resilience and growth along the way.

Somewhere along this contemplative journey, we decided to make the trek to Norway, just the two of us. In Norway we’ll visit distant relatives, and learn more about our personal heritage, Viking culture and how it continues to resonate with us, and how these generational links influence the way we lead, the way we serve our communities, and the way we show up for one another. 

It is our sincere hope that the lessons we learn can be shared and applied broadly to all who seek a life grounded in empathy, wisdom, and belonging.

Karen:

The Viking legacy was never simply about blood or battle. It was built on a work ethic forged by harsh winters and hard soil, a deep reverence for community, and a code for how to live with purpose and lead with integrity. These are values that belong to anyone willing to embrace them — Norwegian or not.

Through this trip, I want to embrace the unknown, push myself to learn, and have my perspectives challenged. I’m excited to experience Norway in a different light, venturing well beyond my typical comfort zone.

Stephanie:

Life has been busy, and I've been thinking about what drives me. This trip is a chance to step back, reconnect with my father's roots, and remind myself why the things I care about matter — personally and professionally.

Karen:

For me, the “Viking gardener” is such an important concept, especially because it feels like such a strong juxtaposition of what people typically think of when they think of Vikings. Yes, they were warriors, but they were also farmers: people who cultivated, cared for, and grew things. That spirit of the gardener connects me to leadership, care, and growth; values that were central to how my father mentored me. For me, the idea of this trip brings to mind this “gardener” philosophy – digging further into my roots to bring forth renewed energy and purpose to the branches of my life. This connection to my father and the powerful ethos of the Vikings is special. I know our father’s spirit will be alongside us as we explore the unexpected.

Stephanie:

Reconnecting with relatives, we hope to better understand our father's roots — and our own. He came to the U.S. in his 20s, and retracing his path feels like a way to understand what shaped him, and ultimately, what shaped us.

We look forward to gathering the threads of our shared history and weaving them into the next chapter of our family story.

Together, we are filled with excitement and overwhelmed with emotion at the opportunity to visit our ancestral lands. I am certain we’ll create lasting memories, deepen our sisterly bond, and come home with lifelong lessons to best lead and serve our families, communities, and ventures.