The day we've all been waiting for is here! ;) Before I leave for the airport, I want to post a public thank you to my family. And if you know my mom, you know she'll be a blubbering cry baby by the end of this entry.
When I was kid, my family had this tradition whenever we would take family vacations. No matter how big or exciting the trip was, we would start our adventure as we pulled out of the driveway by saying "our journey begins!" It didn't matter if we were going to my grandparents' house in Missouri, or driving across the country to New York City or Yellowstone National Park. "Our journey begins!" was the signal for work and school-related buzz-kill stuff to fly right out the window of our un-air conditioned minivan.
For the first time, I'll be going on a journey by myself. And not just to Missouri, but half way around the world. I won't have my dad sitting next to me on the longest flight of my life, or have my mom pushing me through airport security. I'll be on my own... kind of.
My parents have taught me so much about following my dreams and pursuing what makes me happy. I'm incredibly lucky to have parents who have not only helped me plan this trip, but have encouraged me to make the most of my experience while I'm in Australia. So, even though my parents won't be physically next to me as I fly 15+ hours to a country that I've never been to, I'll have the values that they've taught me over the past 20 years. I'll have the courage that they alone gave me to up-and-move to Australia for 4 months of my life. I'll have their support, even if it's 8,816 miles away (and yes, I MapQuest-ed that).
Mom and dad, thank you so much for all you have done for me. Not just for your help to prepare me for this trip, but for everything that you've done to ensure I grow up to be the woman I am today. You are truly the greatest parents in the entire world. Because of you, I can now say that "MY journey begins!"
I can't wait for you BOTH (that means you too, dad) to visit me in November. You deserve a vacation for raising me. ;)
Love you both so much! See you soon!
Xoxo,
Veronica
When I was kid, my family had this tradition whenever we would take family vacations. No matter how big or exciting the trip was, we would start our adventure as we pulled out of the driveway by saying "our journey begins!" It didn't matter if we were going to my grandparents' house in Missouri, or driving across the country to New York City or Yellowstone National Park. "Our journey begins!" was the signal for work and school-related buzz-kill stuff to fly right out the window of our un-air conditioned minivan.
For the first time, I'll be going on a journey by myself. And not just to Missouri, but half way around the world. I won't have my dad sitting next to me on the longest flight of my life, or have my mom pushing me through airport security. I'll be on my own... kind of.
My parents have taught me so much about following my dreams and pursuing what makes me happy. I'm incredibly lucky to have parents who have not only helped me plan this trip, but have encouraged me to make the most of my experience while I'm in Australia. So, even though my parents won't be physically next to me as I fly 15+ hours to a country that I've never been to, I'll have the values that they've taught me over the past 20 years. I'll have the courage that they alone gave me to up-and-move to Australia for 4 months of my life. I'll have their support, even if it's 8,816 miles away (and yes, I MapQuest-ed that).
Mom and dad, thank you so much for all you have done for me. Not just for your help to prepare me for this trip, but for everything that you've done to ensure I grow up to be the woman I am today. You are truly the greatest parents in the entire world. Because of you, I can now say that "MY journey begins!"
I can't wait for you BOTH (that means you too, dad) to visit me in November. You deserve a vacation for raising me. ;)
Love you both so much! See you soon!
Xoxo,
Veronica
One of the many "journeys" my family took together. This one was to Jamaica in the summer of 2011.