Mother-Daughter Trip

For as long as I can remember, my mother has always encouraged me to travel. I recall her telling me stories of her own travels - coming to Lima as a teenager, and traveling north and south along the Peruvian coastline as a university student. She never explicitly said why traveling is important - at least, that I remember - but I listened attentively to her stories. 

Travel is an important part of my life. To me, traveling means more than an opportunity to explore. Travel is the place where I find a break from responsibilities, take solace, and embrace stillness. Travel is also my way to celebrate an achievement, the conclusion of a chapter in my life, and the start of a new one. 

2019 was full of reasons to celebrate personal and professional achievements and to honor the changing seasons in life. More specifically, these seasons were surviving business school, switching careers into a field I am passionate about, and choosing to start a home with my partner. Unlike earlier times, this transition feels more permanent - like skydiving. There is no way to get back on the plane. Just have to enjoy the ride, the view, and land safely. It was the realization that I am now and forevermore permanently an *adult (lol) that made me crave time with my mom. Time to be her child once more. *Note: I have been an adult for over a decade

I got to be her child. I will always be her child. But as it’s true on any trip with parents - you also get to see them as equals. As more than mom or dad. You get to see them as an individual with their own dreams and demons. With each trip, my mom and I grow closer. We get to be friends. And sometimes, the roles are reversed. I take care of her. 

Having a parent share deeply personal stories of trauma can be painful to hear and process. It was for me before. However, now, I am honored that my mom trusts me enough to share her story. I think it means she sees strength in me. Strength that she helped shape. Strength that I can now give back to her. And I do. Just as I would do for a close friend. 

Maybe she planted the travel bug in me as a kid so that one day we would travel together and enjoy a “time-out” from our daily routine to connect. Maybe she just wanted to keep me entertained or put me to bed. I am glad she did share her travel stories with me as I hope to one day do the same..