Europe Countdown

On Friday, Dad, Tara, Mark and I are heading to Europe. The four of us will be spending 10 days in Hungary exploring some of my Dad's heritage. I'm really looking forward to seeing the sights, as every person I mention the trip to, has stories about how amazing Budapest is, and how much we're going to love it.

We'll spend most of our time in Budapest, but will travel to two small towns (one where my Grandma lived, and one in Slovakia where my Grandpa lived), and hopefully spend some time at Lake Balaton (a resort area).

We haven't planned out exactly what we're going to do each day, but have booked tickets on RiverRide for our first full day in Budapest. It's a bus that turns into a boat! So, we'll get a great driving tour of downtown Budapest, as well as a boat cruise down the Danube. Should be a blast.

Boat? Bus? Either way, it looks like fun!

I'll be taking lots of pictures, so will post an update when we return!

On our way home, Mark and I will be stopping in Northern Ireland to visit family and go to a friend's wedding. It'll be my first British wedding, and I don't have a hat or a fascinator - uh oh! Hopefully, they'll let the lady with no hat and a strange accent in. Cheerio!

Mother's Day

This Sunday will mark the first Mother's Day since my Mom passed away. On September 25, 2010, my wonderful Mom lost her 13 year battle with kidney disease. She was (and still is) my hero. The battle she fought was not an easy one. For 13 years she underwent four peritoneal dialysis exchanges each and every day. Due to the disease, she had to have open heart surgery, lost most of her eye sight and hearing, and in her last few years, had little energy and significant mobility issues. However, she did not complain - not once. My Mom was a tiny little lady (5 feet tall, and less than 100 pounds) but had a massive heart and a high level of perspective that never once wavered. Though most people would feel sorry for themselves and be angry that they had to live this way, my Mom was constantly thankful for all of the good things in her life. Every single day I strive to find just an ounce of the perspective that Mom had. She honestly was the most positive, kind, caring, selfless, beautiful person I have ever met. I am so very fortunate to be her daughter. I can only hope that I can be half the woman that she was.

Tara, Mom and I

In the days since she passed, I often feel sorry for myself and wonder why I had to lose my Mom at such a young age; but then I hear her voice in my head reminding me of all the amazing things I have in my life that I should be thankful for. While losing her will surely be the biggest 'rip off' of my life, having her as my Mom was my greatest blessing. 

On my wedding day - just 6 weeks before she passed

This Sunday I will take some special time to myself to remember her. I will remember her warm smile, her soft skin and beautiful blue eyes, her soothing voice and all of the wonderful time we spent together. In 31 short years, I shared more with my Mom than most daughters do in a long and healthy life. For that, I will be forever thankful.  

  

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I miss and love you.