After Mom died, Dad and I took a trip together every summer. Just the two of us, father and daughter. This was especially meaningful because Dad was old and we lived two thousand miles apart — so a week with Dad, undisturbed from other family members or from work was a treat.
Our first destination was a tour up the Mississippi river. We boarded the steamboat（汽艇）in St. Louis and noticed that we were some of the youngest people among the travelers! Even Dad, at 73 looked young! We sat in rocking chairs on the deck, the warm breeze blowing on our faces, admiring the lush green trees linking the mighty river. A jazz band played in the background.
On the deck we met John, who met the love of his life at a singles’ dance for old people and asked the lady to marry him two weeks later. Then there was Jane, a teacher from Little Rock, Arkansas(阿肯色州) who danced with Bill Clinton decades ago at a school fundraiser. Sometimes on the deck Dad and I sat quietly, reading.
At lunchtime we stood in line for the food. People asked if Dad was my brother! Amazing for our thirty-eight-year age difference! Dad filled his plate with bread, meats, and cheeses to make a sandwich. Dad loved mayonnaise! Anything else between two pieces of bread was extra fillings.
After lunch we landed at Alton（奥尔顿）, Missouri. This small town was home to a lot of antique shops. Dad, with little interest in shopping or antiques (although he was almost an antique himself) walked in and out of shop after shop. We walked up the hill, down the hill, and through the old town. We walked all day. It was the longest time I ever spent shopping with Dad.
Each day combined together like the last, until seven days passed. On the seventh day we reached Minnesota（明尼苏达州）at the top of the Mississippi. My home was there. Dad saw my house for the first time and met my two cats, Coconut and Coffee Bean. Coconut sat on his lap and purred(打呼噜). The two became quick friends.
This was the first of many trips we planned together, but unfortunately, it would be our last. Dad died a few months later from being hit by a drunk driver while crossing a street in his hometown. What made this trip special was our time together, just the two of us. I had grown from the teenager embarrassed to be with Dad to the adult cherishing our time together. I’ll always treasure these memories of my father, and be proud of who I have become.
51．What did the writer think of the journey together with her father?
A. Appropriate B. Significant C. Enjoyable D. Worthless
52. According to the passage, most of the travelers aboard were _______.
A. parents and children B. teachers and students
C. the aged people D. couples and friends
53. Why was the author proud of herself?
A. She had grown up. B. She took a trip with her father.
C. She felt embarrassed with her father. D. She came to value the time with her father.
54. What’s the main purpose of the text?
A. To memorize her father. B. To advocate diverse ways of life.
C. To share an interesting story. D. To solve a problem.
