The Wordsmith: Paris: A love letter to my mommy

We have been back from our trip for over a months now and it really hasn't hit me that we went. I went for the very first time when I was 13. That trip was incredible. We went to Rome, Florence, Pisa, Paris and London and saw as much as you can in 10 days. I was more excited to be leaving the country for the first time and being without my parents than actually going to historical sights. I was just grasping history and loving it then so going anywhere with history was great. I remember when I learned about the trip from my 7th grade history teacher. I wanted to go so bad! Paris is where Marie Antoinette was from! London is where Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I were from! I could not believe that my junior high school would take a bunch of 13 and 14 year olds out of our little town. My teacher knew this would be a trip I would want to go on so he made sure I had the info. I took the packet home and told my mom about it, almost like it was a joke because I never thought my mom would let me go! It took her about 1 minute to say yes. I was floored! The trip was not only expensive but it was my first time on an airplane AND out of the country! My mom was actually letting me take this expensive trip out of the country and I would do it without her. For the next several months my mom worked her butt off to send me on the trip of a lifetime! I could never be thankful enough for how much she wanted me to go on this trip and how she made it possible. My mom gave me a bunch of money for the trip, bought me a bunch of disposable cameras (this was before digital cameras and smart phones, I know so long ago!) and even some new clothes. My whole family took me to the airport and sat with me at the gate (this was even pre 9/11 security) and off I went on my very first flight alone! It was AMAZING!!!! The food, the people, the history! Everything! We spent most of our time in Italy then took a train to Paris. Paris is where I found myself and where I left my heart. I couldn't believe that a more wonderful place existed on the planet than Paris. There was so much beauty and grace and class in Paris and it was just so unlike anything I had ever known. The Eiffel Tower really blew my mind. From that day on I was determined to go back there one day and, thanks this time to Scott, I was able to go! It was even more incredible than the last time and this time I was with the love of my life! The first trip I took to Europe was what changed my life forever. I am OBSESSED with history! I am OBSESSED with Paris and I have found so much of myself because of that trip.

This post is 100% for my mom. I fit wasn't for her I would not have left this country. I would not have an insatiable wanderlust for the world. I wouldn't have gone back to Paris. I would not have been able to sit in the seat Hemingway sat in. I would not have bought a book from Shakespeare & Co. I would not have found a love of crepes and macaroons. I would not have a thirst for learning about historical figures and places. I would not be who I am today if she had not given me the opportunity to go. Thank you mommy for being the best mommy in the whole world and loving me with all of your heart. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for you and I want the whole world to know how amazing you are!

In honor of my mom I am going to spend the next couple of days (maybe week or so) posting the pictures from our trip! Today will be the first 2 days. I hope everyone enjoys the change seeing as here won't be a story today just some about me and pics fro my awesome trip!