{this memory} is the story behind {this moment}, a weekly ritual sharing a moment in time captured forever.
This is a scanned photo of me, taken when I was about 25 (I think!). I am standing in front of the Jungfrau – the ‘top of Europe’ - in Switzerland. It was an amazing experience, and a beautiful place and a stunning view! I didn’t go to the ‘top’ of Europe, as it was off-season, but it was still so worth it.
This was in the midst of a huge trip for me. I’d left my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years at home to embark on a life-changing of self-discovery. I had always wanted to travel, and had finally bit the bullet, quit my job, and set off on my way alone. My boyfriend at the time couldn’t afford to come with me (he worked part-time), but was fully supportive of me going, since it was my dream and he was totally comfortable with our relationship and his trust in me.
To cut a long story short, 9 months later after travelling, struggling, working, thinking and learning a lot, I returned home to a Mum and Nan with cancer, and to end my relationship. Whether I knew that at the time – well, I think that’s one of the reasons I came home. You know, to do the ‘honourable’ thing and break up with him to his face.
Good news is that my Nan recovered from her cancer, only for it to return with a vengeance a few years later and take her life. My Mum is all good, but still going for her regular check ups. And my relationship – well, sometimes it pays not to be so honourable…
Quite a lot of good memories and a little painful one associated with the photo. Self discovery trips are always nice, especially if one is leaving their boyfriend behind!
As long as any experience helps you grow as a person, it counts as a good lesson in life.
I am glad that you had the opportunity to go on such a trip. As for life, well, we have to deal with it whatever comes our way, don’t we? You did very well for yourself!
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