What a feeling!!

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geewhiz
geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I am home, after being gone for over 3 weeks on an experience that has given me goosebumps under my goosebumps.

When I was diagnosed, this panic set in...thinking I would never be able to show my kids the world. It was my goal. I worked hard at getting through treatment healthy, and I worked hard at earning and saving my money.

My husband was able to join us the first week, but then had to go back to work. I continued on vacation with my kids ages 7, 11 and 15. It was so empowering. I felt healthy, strong and very alive! 

I backpacked across Europe and the UK with my kids from glorious emerald green cliffs in Ireland, to double decker red buses and the Tower of London; lush Welsh countrysides, to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up at night; smiled as my 7 year old drew me his version of Monet's Water Lillies in Giverny; and stood in awe under Michaelangelos painting in the center of the Sistine Chapel; ran around the ruins of ancient Rome and laughed as my kids played Gladiator in the Coliseum.  What a dream. I feel truly blessed.

I hope they remember it forever. I know I sure will.   

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  • littletower
    littletower Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2011

    Wow!!! Good for you. I am envious and happy for you at the same time. I have no doubt your kids will remember this forever. Cyber high fives and hugs and alll good wishes. You go girl!

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited June 2011

    Wow, wow, WOW!  I am in awe of you Geewhiz!  You are doing things most of us just DREAM about.  I know I've thought about doing something like this, but have never gotten the guts up to do it!  I've read and seen Eat, Pray, Love twice and each time I get this feeling of genuine sadness, melancholy if you will, for WANTING to do what she did, but too afraid that it's not possible.

    I am thrilled for you and your kids.  What a FABULOUS journey!!!!

    Sharon

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2011

    Good for you. What a great accomplishment.

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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited June 2011

    What an amazing trip. You deserve it!



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  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited June 2011

    Hi. Your trip sounds so fun.  I would love to do something like that.   I agree that is a great accomplishment. I bet the children did great and they will have such good memories. SharonH

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited June 2011

    Amazing.

    I'm taking my kid out for ice cream - best I can do right now.  :)

    I'm so glad you had this wonderful, lifetime experience with them. 

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited June 2011

    geewhiz, your children will definitely remember this amazing, delicious trip!! so happy for you and for them. "what a feeling!" - the perfect thread heading.

    many, many, more trips for you - and for all of eus!

    xo

    janyce

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited June 2011

    What a fabulous trip and experience for your kids. May you all talk about it for many years to come.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2011

    I dream of doing exactly the same thing.....I am hoping to plan for something like this when my older son graduates fifth grade.  This is two years from now (hope to still be here, no reason to think otherwise at the moment) but I am thinking as this may be the only graduation I see (again no reason but trying to live like this now), I want to make a big huge deal about it and go on a trip....I want to back pack and stay in hostels....I am soo happy you did this. Perhaps you can give me some tips....Last year was the year I was supposed to attempt to enter back into the work force as both kids were in school. Instead I battled the beast.  so THIS YEAR is the year I am supposed to enter back into the work force in some capacity.  I would love to be a school secretary like coolbreeze. I want to be on the children's schedule. Hopefully I will be able to save for the trip....soo happy for you!

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited June 2011

    Your trip sounded amazing, I'm so jealous!!!  I'm so happy you & your kids got to experience this time together and see all that you did.  BC has changed my view of things also, I don't hesitate to do things anymore & got many things planned. 

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  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited June 2011

    I really admire the goal you set and how you got out there and accomplished it!  You can rest assured that they will remember it!  What a great Mom & Dad!

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  • mcsushi
    mcsushi Member Posts: 174
    edited June 2011
    What an amazing experience!! My brother and I just did something similar. 6 1/2 weeks, 9 countries, 23,000 flight miles and a lifetime of memories. It was so incredible, but sharing it with my brother was by far the best part. I'm so glad you were able to have such a great time with those you love!! Here's to many more travels and adventures for us all! Laughing
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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited June 2011

    Wow, what an incredible experience!  Here's to many, many more!

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited June 2011

    That is so so awesome..I use to live in Europe and my dream is to also take my kids there.. And of course my fear is that tt is wont happen. ( so I am going to make it happen) I saw your pic on fb but I didn't realize you did part of this trip alone.

    You go girl:)~~

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited June 2011

    Amazing and inspiring.  I think travel for kids expands their awareness.  I'm in midst of chemo, and at first thought when I got done with rest of treatment (surgery and rads) by winter, I'd fly to Bahamas, closest warm place within reach of U.S., but realized might be too much (husband and I have bad backs), so settled with finally going back to closest beach next spring, staying in "our hotel."  I feel so much more gratitude for life since being diagnosed, that I think some sort of special away time is called for.  Europe, gosh, what a way to go!  But I did indeed smile at blessed Cool Breeze going to get ice cream... you go, girl.  GG

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  • WellWater
    WellWater Member Posts: 6,546
    edited June 2011

    gee....what a journey!  You gave your children an experience that will last a lifetime.  I salute your creativity and courage to undertake such a trip. 

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  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited June 2011

    hi Geewhiz

    I am wanting to do the same with my 3 next summer and they are one year younger than yours, so perfect timing. Can you give any suggestions on how you got around from country to country or lodging any helpful hints. You can list here or PM me, I have done it with my hubby and before girlfriends but more intimidated with the kids as I would go alone for most of it too.

    thanks and many congrats 

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited June 2011

    Fantastic! I am so envious! My kids would love to go to Europe, but not with me...just my credit card, lol.

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited June 2011

    Thanks guys. It was all last minute, for anyone wanting specifics on how to go about it just pm me.

    I ran to the bookstore and bought every Europe book I could find and then googled like crazy. As my oldest put it "Mom as usual, flew by the seat of her pants", lol. I used some hostels, but found hotels that were just as inexpensive. Trains and public transportation make getting around super easy, and cheap. I did screw up one day...went to the wrong airport in Italy. Oops!



    And I think, we do the best we can with what we have been given. I don't want to say that I am thankful for cancer, or that it's taught me anything...because a lot of what I do, is simply out of fear that someday I will not be able to do it anymore.



    So I am here to enjoy the ride. Somedays that's as simple as enjoying an ice cream cone with the kids : )

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  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited June 2011

    I am in such awe how you took that trip on without your husband there most of the time.

    I did a trip to  Rome/Sorrento with my oldest daughter......then took my other daughter to Paris.....right after I finished treatment....a trip I hope they will never forget with their mom...

    But wow.....I am a slacker taking one at a time!  Your trip sounds wonderful ....and those children will never forget it.

    Jacqueline

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited June 2011

    thanks for sharing; what a terrific trip. totally awesome. 

    being grateful for life and our peeps is what it is all about*

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  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited June 2011

    You are an incredible Mum!!  Your story made me smile (on what is a bad day) and I read it to my husband and his reaction was 'what an incredible positive vibrant person - a wonderful parent' - stand up and take a bow!!!

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  • bejuce
    bejuce Member Posts: 97
    edited June 2011

    Wow! I was in Paris with my hubby a few weeks ago to celebrate our 10th anniversary but we left the 3 kids at home.  It was my first time in Europe and I loved it!!!! Can't wait to do this trip with my kids.  My lucky hubby is in Barcelona (flew there on Sunday) and will be in Paris tomorrow.  It was a work trip and I so wanted to drop everything and go with him.  

    That's the spirit - living life to the fullest every chance we got!

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited June 2011

    Fantastic!  Traveling sounds like a great thing to save up for...I love that you shared this with your kids!

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