Take the trip.

We recently got back from a trip to Italy to celebrate my dad's 70th b-day. My dad planned a week-long Italian getaway for him and my stepmom, me and my siblings and our spouses. It was fabulous. In fact I'm currently feeling homesick for Europe. But leading up to the holiday I was very anxious. Our kids weren't included in the festivities. They likely would not have enjoyed the Florence walkabouts nor the Tuscany wine tastings, but it was hard to leave them at home. I had never traveled away from them for more than a few nights, nor farther than a few states away. Hubs and I of course left the girls in excellent care, but still I wavered about going at all in the days leading up to the vacation. We would be two flights away! Would everything be OK? Would I miss my babies too much? Would they long for me?

Practically I knew everything would be fine. But nonetheless I worried, a lot. Ultimately I decided to step (or rather, fly) out of my comfort zone. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to have special time with my family, in the gorgeous setting of Italy to boot. We had a marvelous time exploring Florence and soaking up Tuscany, bonding with each other without the frenzy of everyone's children. We had so much unencumbered fun. Hubs and I even slipped in an impromptu 25 mile e-bike adventure across the countryside. Throughout the vacation I took some mental notes: remember the backdrop of rolling, lush hills, the poppies and wildflowers dotting the vibrant green grass, the scent of wisteria. Be present for the serenade of birds chirping, the giggles among our group.

Of course there were moments of tiredness, of missing the kids. Especially when we FaceTimed. I do not recommend FaceTiming while away! Returning home, we even missed our connecting flight after a delayed first leg out of Florence. Hubs and I had to extend the vacation by one night and make the most of an unexpected stay in Germany. At the Frankfurt airport I cried; I was ready to be home with my girls. But still, everything was OK.

Before the trip my therapist reminded me: Life is to be experienced, not avoided. I sure am I grateful I experienced such a splendid trip, worries and all.

AES