And We're Off

I can't believe the moment has finally arrived. This day has been nearly 20 years in the making. In 1993 I was heading to the O'Hare airport with my Mom and Dad. We had a great "last supper" together and then they loaded me on a plane to spend 2 semesters of my college life in Florence, Italy. I was a puddle of emotions. So excited and yet heart sick to be leaving them and nervious about what I would find in this new land. I boarded the plane all alone and sat adjacent to a honeymoon couple who were headed to a European adventure. I remember being so envious of them. Their love and excitement and pure bliss of being together. And from there, I spent the next 9 months of my life exploring Europe and coming to the distinct realization that the biggest thing I found "across the pond" was myself. 

Fast forward 20 years and I'm once again headed to O'Hare. And once again I am a puddle of emotions. I kissed the cheeks of my parents and this time prayed more for their love and care  while I was gone rather than my own. I tucked away mom's Rosary in my bag in hopes of a special blessing from the Pope.  I waved goodbye to the amazing family God has granted me; my two amazing and ruggedly handsome boys, and my precious angel princess.  And I'm ready to board the plane and embark upon my own European adventure with the love of my life, enjoying our own pure bliss of being together. We are still at the point of being unsure how we will endure 2 weeks away from our family but at the same time we are feeling incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to go and explore the world together.  

We;ve taken the advice of my mom and dad. Don't wait to retire to travel and enjoy life together. They are living proof that you never know what the next stage of life will bring. Do it now - while you can.  So - we did and we are... Bags are packed, provisions are purchased, children are well cared for and we're off...