The Trip Of A Lifetime

My mom turned 80 years old this past June. Quite a milestone given that she's a breast cancer survivor and had a heart valve replacement 12 years ago.

My wife Angela and I decided to give her a "bucket list" trip as a present, telling her to pick the trip she wanted.

She gave it much thought but ultimately decided on Paris and London.

Angela planned the trip out with 3 nights in Paris and 4 nights in London the end of September, trying to include as much as we could given my mom's mobility issues.

In Paris we visited the Louvre. (amazing!). Had an amazing tour of the city. Took a dinner cruise up the Seine. Had great dinners every night. Saw a cabaret show.

In London we visited the Tower of London. We had tea at a beautiful hotel. (Scones...who knew!?) Walked the mall and saw Buckingham Palace and their famous guards. We also took a cruise up the Thames.?

Overall, we just had an amazing trip.?

Leading up to the trip, I was worried about the time away.?A lot of things going on in my business to distract me (new hire training, case prep, etc) and make me worry about taking time off.

In the end, my mom's trip of a lifetime, was OUR trip of a lifetime.?I had an entire week to spend just with my mom. I can't remember the last time that happened. It may never again. You never know.

Her handwritten thank you that I received this weekend, after so many thank yous already, brought me to tears.

I realized how quickly time goes by and how precious these moments are that I get to spend with my mom.

I encourage you take a step back, take stock of your loved ones, recognizing that they won't always be with you, and appreciate today.?

Be present. Contact a loved one and tell them you love them. Make time for them.

You won't regret it.?