One of the hardest parts of living in Paris, is not the attitude of the French nor the language and cultural barriers, but the distance from the one person that means the world to me (other than my Italian of course). My mom. I used to be able to hop on a train and be at her doorstep in under 2 hours, a quick jaunt on the LIRR from NYC to the Hamptons. I miss that. Equally, I miss those rare days when she would come to NYC for business and the day would end in one of those magical mother daughter encounters. For a moment, NYC became ours to share. (I will always smile when I pass Bloomingdales, our chosen meeting place.)
During my ‘formative years’ beginning at age 15, she was my sole parent, not an easy task with 2 kids in tow. I am grateful that my mom always supported my decisions, to study abroad, to move to New York City… even to travel the world. “You know what is best for you,” were her exact words. And to move to Paris, knowing she would see me less, but most importantly, knowing that I was happy.
Every day I look forward to sharing the pieces of my life with her. Trials, successes, random thoughts and musings, all if it. It is the words of my mother that always seem to bring clarity, though sometimes I may resist them. Stubborn traits run in the family? After all, who knows us better than our own mothers. And simply, she makes sense.
It is also for my mother than I began to write a blog, and continue to. During my travels in 2007 it was she who I wanted to share my adventures with (and anyone else who was willing to indulge in my journey). And now here in Paris, on those gray days when I don’t feel inspired, I simply think about my mom and how much she looks forward to my thoughts and experiences. And I write.
For these many reasons, and simply because I feel eternally grateful to have been raised by such a wonderful, warm and wise woman, and to have her in my life, I dedicate this blog to my mom. Also, it happens to be her birthday and I’m a big fan of surprises. Since I can’t be with her in person, (though soon enough we shall raise a glass), a virtual celebration will have to do.
Happy Birthday Mom!
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ahhh….happy birthday to your mom!
This is beautiful…I can understand how difficult it would be to be away from your family. My parents lived in Germany for a bit after getting married, and my Mom always talks about how wonderful it was, but how much she missed her Mom. Your blog is the perfect way to share your adventures and feel close…thank you for letting us read and enjoy too! Happy Birthday to your beautiful Mom!
Happy Birthday to your mom. I feel the same way, too, about living abroad–I miss sharing things with my mom.
p.s. It was my mom’s birthday two days ago!
Really lovely!
That was so lovely to read. Happy birthday to your mother. I admire your bond, and love your blog.
Oh Kasia, so sweet! Love seeing that picture of you as a tot
Guess your mom didn’t tower over you for long!! Wishing her a very happy birthday!
Oh! This made me tear up. I know exactly what you mean / how you feel. Happy, happy birthday to your Mom!
Happy Birthday Basia! You’re mom always made me feel welcome in your home as a child, a teen, and an adult. So cheers to your mom and your biggest cheerleader!
Love, Kate
Thank you Kate! From both my mom and I
Happy Birthday to your mom! What a sweet post.
This was a wonderful post. Happy birthday to your mom!
That was so incredibly sweet!
Thank you to all from my mom and I, for the lovely birthday wishes and sentiments! (It was a grand virtual celebration!)
I started tearing up reading your post to your mom. I just said goodbye to my mom at the airport this morning and I keep thinking that our goodbyes will get easier, but every time she visits I’m reminded why I love her so much and want to be closer. Moms are the best! Hope your mom had a nice birthday!
so beautiful! although my mom is in the same country, shes still 8+ hours of traveling away. miss her much. this was nice to share/read.