What a post, what a journey, what ordeals and what heartbreak. So poignantly told, and I can really feel that mix of frustration yet sentimentality.
I've had my fair share of travel fiascos but nothing quite matches up to this. The worst was a combination of a nasty scabies incident that a girlfriend and I had in Ireland many, many years ago and massive air traffic control failures over Ireland and England that grounded all flights for days. We had a couple days in London planned with a show, a club, and we lost all that because we couldn't get out of Dublin. We were covered from head to toe in nasty bumps, we looked like lepers and we were terrified to be seen in public, so we had to hole up in a Dublin hotel and apply cream all over ourselves until we were presentable enough to leave.
Indeed, go up to go down, and get back up again. Your dad would be so proud, I am sure. Your mom is very proud. Thank you for sharing these pieces of your story.
What's most inspiring about this post is that it goes beyond in so many ways ....
beyond finding the good in the bad, such as moments with Dad that touched loving openness revealed by the vulnerability ... so very sweet ...
beyond noticing that the bad things were in fact critical, unseen and unknowable precursors to very good things, such as getting out of Greece and then getting out of Europe before the sky literally closed in ....
but most inspiring - it relentlessly goes beyond accepting initial perceptions and judgments as valid and meaningful - and continues to examine and question those until the good is revealed, which shows your strength and loving heart.
Thank you so much for your kind words—I am so touched and appreciate your taking the time to read! It’s been a long journey, both literally and figuratively, and the lessons I am trying to remind myself to listen to every day!
Isn’t that the truth? It’s so hard to endure the things that end up being that way…but my greatest lessons didn’t come when things “worked out perfectly.”
Wowsers! Those are quite the stories! And wondering if it happened for you, rather than to you is an interesting way to frame it! In your case, it definitely sounds like it did! Glad you got to have the British Museum experience with your mom after all. Xx
Thank you for reading! It definitely took time to even be open to seeing things that way, let alone believing it. I fail at it all the time, no question about it!
Thanks, Tim. Took me back. I miss your dad too; he was one of the kindest men and best listeners I've ever known. Talked to your mom briefly this morning (we'll Zoom with Becky and Roger tonight) and the joy in her voice when she referenced the trip told me everything I really needed to know and has kept a smile on my face since. Looking forward to your next installment. Love, A2
What a post, what a journey, what ordeals and what heartbreak. So poignantly told, and I can really feel that mix of frustration yet sentimentality.
I've had my fair share of travel fiascos but nothing quite matches up to this. The worst was a combination of a nasty scabies incident that a girlfriend and I had in Ireland many, many years ago and massive air traffic control failures over Ireland and England that grounded all flights for days. We had a couple days in London planned with a show, a club, and we lost all that because we couldn't get out of Dublin. We were covered from head to toe in nasty bumps, we looked like lepers and we were terrified to be seen in public, so we had to hole up in a Dublin hotel and apply cream all over ourselves until we were presentable enough to leave.
I've never written about it, maybe it's time...!
It took a lot of time to reach that perspective, but things do seem to go better if I don’t let myself get wrinkled when it doesn’t help.
Your travel story sounds like one for the books—and a scabies incident is definitely worth recounting!!
Indeed, go up to go down, and get back up again. Your dad would be so proud, I am sure. Your mom is very proud. Thank you for sharing these pieces of your story.
What's most inspiring about this post is that it goes beyond in so many ways ....
beyond finding the good in the bad, such as moments with Dad that touched loving openness revealed by the vulnerability ... so very sweet ...
beyond noticing that the bad things were in fact critical, unseen and unknowable precursors to very good things, such as getting out of Greece and then getting out of Europe before the sky literally closed in ....
but most inspiring - it relentlessly goes beyond accepting initial perceptions and judgments as valid and meaningful - and continues to examine and question those until the good is revealed, which shows your strength and loving heart.
So moving.
So very cool.
Thank you so much for your kind words—I am so touched and appreciate your taking the time to read! It’s been a long journey, both literally and figuratively, and the lessons I am trying to remind myself to listen to every day!
Sometimes distance is needed to see the good in something bad.
Isn’t that the truth? It’s so hard to endure the things that end up being that way…but my greatest lessons didn’t come when things “worked out perfectly.”
Wowsers! Those are quite the stories! And wondering if it happened for you, rather than to you is an interesting way to frame it! In your case, it definitely sounds like it did! Glad you got to have the British Museum experience with your mom after all. Xx
Thank you for reading! It definitely took time to even be open to seeing things that way, let alone believing it. I fail at it all the time, no question about it!
Thanks, Tim. Took me back. I miss your dad too; he was one of the kindest men and best listeners I've ever known. Talked to your mom briefly this morning (we'll Zoom with Becky and Roger tonight) and the joy in her voice when she referenced the trip told me everything I really needed to know and has kept a smile on my face since. Looking forward to your next installment. Love, A2
Thank you for reading—he was one good guy and I know I am lucky to have become his son. The trip was really magical and I can’t wait to share more!!