10 years from now, I will be happy I did it
I got back from Philly last night.
It was an amazing trip. It was very busy and full of commotion, but I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. I’m so fortunate.
Why did I go to Philly?
I went for two reasons.
I went to see my mom. My mother is handicapped. It is very difficult for her to get on a plane and I know she wishes she got to see my son more often. You must understand, I am the first born son. I am the first born of my entire generation in both sides of my family. My mom was a teenager when she had me. She worked so hard to raise my sister and I, and I know in her heart that she is so proud of me and of my beautiful little boy.
I went to see my grandma. Unfortunately my grandma is struggling with memory and dementia problems. It’s heartbreaking. My family used to take an annual vacation to the Jersey shore. This year is the first time in 5 years that we all got together. A few months ago, my dad asked if I would be able to make it, and gave me the hard truth about my grandma. So many of my memories of childhood are with my grandparents, and I imagine what it will be like to tell Julian stories about her. I needed to see her.
When I started this Substack account, I told myself that I would write every article to my son, so that one day he would be able to have it and learn about my life and his life and all the things in between. I am giving him a way to look back at my life and get to know me in a different way.
If and when he reads this, I hope he is able to understand how important these women are.
They have left their mark on me, and I know they will leave their mark on him as well.
I spent $2000 and shut down my life for 4 days to get this picture. It was well worth it.
