I left for Italy brokenhearted, barely more than a day after saying a sooner-than-expected goodbye to my home and travel companion of the last 14.5 years – my dear, sweet pup. After nearly three decades, I was abruptly launched into a new era of life and travel, a time in which I suddenly had no living creature dependent on me for life. I imagine this will feel liberating someday; at the start of my trip, it felt unmooring at best.
Having lost one caretaker role, though, I embraced an unlikely one for the next few weeks – the balancing act of playing travel coordinator for two separated generations: my eighty-something parents in the first week, and my millennial son who jumped into the mix partway through. All three are bright, active, capable, interesting, and interested people, but I still felt the burden of getting them all from place to place and making sure everyone was having a good time. Old habits die hard, and early on, I struggled to relax into the first trip in years where there was nothing at home to fret about. (My husband was home alone, but he handles that with aplomb!)
Despite my apparent need to worry about something or someone at all times, my first charges were pretty damn impressive. From the very outset, I watched my 85- and 86-year-old parents navigate Rome’s irregular cobblestone streets for hours, starting a few minutes after we had landed from an overnight flight and stashed our bags at our hotel’s reception. My dad has two artificial knees, and my mom has one of those plus a brand-new pacemaker, yet neither blinked an eye at the idea of ascending and descending the Spanish Steps with no hand rails, walking uphill and downhill and occasionally in circles in search of lunch and dinner spots, or staying up until it was really time for bed to avoid jet lag the next day.
Both popped up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the following mornings for hours of sightseeing – walking the full circumference of both levels of the Colosseum, pressing through a crush of humanity at the Trevi Fountain, ambling through the Pantheon and Campo de Fiori, and doing the “simple” things like scouting out two meals a day on our own. A three-hour tour of the Vatican, all on their feet, was followed by a never-ending walk to lunch in the hot sun. In Florence, they toured the gigantic Uffizi all morning and still had the wherewithal to walk to and then fire intelligent questions at our guide at the Accademia Gallery that afternoon.
In spite of my constant fears of a fall, they stepped safely onto the Grand Canal water bus to the Piazza San Marco in Venice, clambered onto the Frecciarossa train, and repeatedly climbed a steep flight of stairs to our Florence apartment (which mom could not stop calling “the Airbub,” thinking that little “n” was a “u”), all the while maintaining a level of good cheer that was extraordinary. By the end, I know they were tired, but they chugged on until the very last minute when we put them into a cab in Venice.
They drank wine every night, sampled new foods, attempted a little Italian, unpacked and repacked suitcases, adjusted to an ever-changing lineup of new beds, helped navigate on a succession of poorly-signposted routes, caught early morning cabs and trains, peed in iffy gas station restrooms, wandered through three Tuscan hill towns in one very full day, shopped in crowded Florence (well, OK, that was mostly just mom), and got lost and then figured it out on their own on the one afternoon I let them out of my sight.
There were naturally some frustrating moments; no matter how adept these octogenarians may be, they simply cannot cover as much ground in a day as a twenty-something guy and his hiker mom can (and that’s OK). They got a little cocky, wanting to manhandle their own bags on slippery stone stairs (not gonna happen), and they got up ridiculously early to get ready for each day (sorry, guys, you know how I value my sleep). But there was so much fun, and plenty of hilarity, too: on our final night together, finishing off the last bottle of wine before they flew home alone, my mother turned to her grandson and said, “In three minutes, can you explain the internet to me?”
We were an unlikely group, but the trip was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the gumption of my amazing parents. (Don’t worry, T – you will be praised in future posts!). I’m happy to have inherited at least some of their zest for life and can only hope to maintain it until I am their age and beyond.
Sue Slaght said:
Oh my goodness your parents sound extraordinary. A trip and time together more precious than gold. Memories that you can tuck away like treasure. I can understand your concerns about taking such a responsibility on. I would have felt the same way.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pup. No matter how old they are it is a heartbreaking goodbye. xo
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Sue! For a trip tinged with incoming sadness and a feeling of great responsibility, it could not have been more enjoyable. Both my parents and my son were commendable travel mates, and an intergenerational voyage like this is indeed a treasure we will always hold close to our hearts.
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Kim said:
Your parents are quite inspirational. Seems you had a lovely trip and got some sweet pictures to share.
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lexklein said:
Thanks for your nice comment! They are aging very well, and we did have an excellent time. I’m particularly grateful to my son for being wonderfully helpful and fun to be with!
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Kim said:
You’re welcome. Three generations together. That’s special.
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The Snow Melts Somewhere said:
What a strikingly beautiful couple they are! And a memorable experience for all of you. I’m sorry about your little dog.
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lexklein said:
Oh, you are sweet! It was a memory-making trip for sure, and as it turned out, probably a good distraction for me soon after the loss of the dog.
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Elaine Bryan said:
You were too complimentary, Lexie; forgot to say we slept two days when home!
Loved our adventure. Thank you for all! Mom and Dad
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lexklein said:
You guys really did rock, but of course you crashed once home … I’ve got to keep you humble or you’re going to think you can do that every month! 🙂
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Mabel Kwong said:
So sorry to hear about pup. Sounded like he spent an enthusiastic life with you traveling and you made many memories together. I’m sure he was with you and your folks around Italy 🙂
My oh my. Your folks do know how to travel at their age. It does sound like they were spurred by adrenaline, like how many of us are while we are traveling. You handled it like a champ and look at their smiling faces in the photo. As Sue said, it is lovely traveling with someone especially if they are close to you – time together is more precious than gold. But I do understand your desire to freewheel it on your own and having not much to worry about and maybe cover more ground. I’m sure you’ve already got that planned ahead 🙂
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lexklein said:
My sweet dog was my road trip buddy, but there is a teeny tiny part of me that is eager to travel unencumbered in the near future. On the docket: Mexico City later this month and a New England road trip in June!
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Yeah, Another Blogger said:
Excellent story!
It made me happy.
Your parents are terrific.
Neil S.
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lexklein said:
Thank you very much! They ARE terrific, and I’m glad they are mine!
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sportsdiva64 said:
Your parents are wicked amazing ! God bless them.
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lexklein said:
🙂 I’ve always thought they were pretty cool, but wicked amazing is indeed what I found on this trip!
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J.D. Riso said:
So sorry to hear about your doggie, Lexie. I know you’d been dreading this for a while now. Your parents are so incredible. What a wonderful memory for you all and I’m sure they really appreciated your help.
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Julie – so devastated about the dog, really. Italy just covered it up for a few weeks. You know what I mean after your Flower sorrows. My parents have always been pretty cool, but their ability to handle this trip the way they did even floored me. Not my pace or off-the-beaten-track leanings, but very fulfilling overall.
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J.D. Riso said:
Yes, I know exactly how it is. It does fade with time, but I think there will be no more animals for me.
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Curt Mekemson said:
Neat tale, Lexie. Your parents sound like real troopers and the intergenerational aspect of having your son along added another layer. I got tired just reading about your itinerary. What a good daughter/mom you are to plan and oversee the trip.
Sorry to hear about your doggie. –Curt
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Curt. The dog sorrow has hit full force since my return, but Italy with parents and son was certainly busy enough to take my mind off it for a few weeks!
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Curt Mekemson said:
Dogs are like family. Dogs are family. When they pass on, they can leave a huge hole.
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restlessjo said:
A pair to be proud of, Lexie! 🙂 🙂 As somebody esle remarked, a very good looking couple, but not only that. The kindness and good humour beam out of those faces. I’m so glad you had a good time together after the things you’ve endured lately. I wouldn’t have minded coming along. 🙂
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lexklein said:
Maybe I’ll start my own tour guide company …. NOT! It was super fun being with my parents and son, and I feel my planning and execution came off perfectly, but boy oh boy, it’s a lot of work to be the leader! 🙂
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Anna said:
I love your parents! What legends! Sorry about your dog though. X
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lexklein said:
You gave me a huge smile! They were real troopers, and being there with them and my son was a great distraction for a short while from my doggy sorrows.
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leggypeggy said:
What a great experience. You can shepherd us around when we hit 80.
Hugs for the loss of the pup. We’ve twice lost an animal just before travelling. Heartbreaking.
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lexklein said:
Haha – after several weeks pf playing tour guide, I think I will retire from shepherding others! I’m a planner and an organizer, but being in charge was exhausting at times. Thanks for the understanding of how hard it is to lose our sweet pets. 😦
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Kate@VanhaTaloSuomi said:
Great memories and a wonderful adventure.
This couldn’t have been their first trip to Italy? Those cities offer so much, it took me back to my first visits to Rome. Such good times!
Our fur babies are what make us better people. Hopefully, you will find the courage to open your heart again to another. Condolences on your loss.
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lexklein said:
Strangely, it WAS their first trip to Italy! They have traveled fairly widely in Europe, but for whatever reason, Italy never made it onto their itineraries before this. It was a great trip, and we had perfect weather (which normally does not happen to me!). I think I remember your losing a cat quite suddenly a while ago, and I felt your pain then; now I know even better (unfortunately) how badly that really hurts. There will be a new dog someday, but not for a while.
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iqra2095 said:
Excellent story:)
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lexklein said:
Thanks! I will surely have more as I think back on this epic trip.
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awtytravels said:
Now I want to know what the answer to the question about Internet was! Hope you had a good time in the Peninsula and that we’ve treated you guys well 🙂
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lexklein said:
Let’s just say it took more than three minutes, and I was pretty impressed with my son’s answer. (Even my mom understood most of it!) Your countrymen were nearly flawless in showing us a good time, and some Italian weather gods took pity on me after the rain-fest I endured on my last overseas trip (Ecuador), giving us two straight weeks of sunshine and perfect temperatures. Rest assured that Italy will be fondly remembered by all!
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Manja Mexi Movie said:
Ahh, this is most excellent! ❤ I'm so glad to hear the trip was a success and let me tell you: if I was there, to me three Tuscan hilltop towns in one day sounds plenty! I don't think my fasciitis would let me. I'm beyond impressed! These photos say it all. What a bunch of happy memories you made and Italy is just the setting for it. I'm sure you'll be back.
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lexklein said:
I will be back for sure (no one can visit Italy just once, and even though I’ve been more than that, there is always more to see). My parents … well, they figure that was their international travel swan song, but who knows? They are feeling pretty sure of themselves these days after their success!
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Manja Mexi Movie said:
And they should! Exceptionally well done!
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Greenglobaltrek said:
Wow am so impressed ~ not only by your parents, who are clearly great sports and still have a passion for seeing and doing, but by your efforts and grace in travelling with them as seniors….to Europe! You are all an inspiration. That is wuite a packed agenda, even for millenials 🙂 The photos are wonderful. Your parents are real troopers! Bravo!
Peta
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lexklein said:
It was definitely a more packed schedule than I would normally like, but they wanted to keep their part of the trip to 8-9 days, and they also wanted to see a ton, thinking it could be their last European vacation. We sure got it all in! Everything went like clockwork thanks to a lot of advance planning, perfect weather, and plain old luck!
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Greenglobaltrek said:
P.s. so sorry to read about your beloved pup. So hard. I know first hand how heartbreaking.
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lexklein said:
I know you’re an animal lover, too, so you know how attached we can get. I cried for days just before, and certainly when I came home to a house without her. Getting better day by day …
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Madhu said:
Wow that’s most impressive. Your parents are living proof that age is just a number. Glad your trip went off well and you got to spend quality time together. So sorry to read about your little pup though. I can imagine how hard it must have been to focus on the trip so soon after your loss.
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lexklein said:
In many ways, focusing on that trip and people other than myself was a lucky break. It was hard, but it was much worse when I actually came back home to the house with no dog. 😦 My parents are definitely proof that we can live fully into ripe old age if we are lucky enough to have our health and a good mind. Fingers crossed I inherited all that!
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Bama said:
I should tell my parents about yours so they’ll know that age shouldn’t stop them from traveling. They’re still relatively active now, but when I took them on a trip to Singapore a few years ago they realized they had to train themselves to walk more. Thanks for this lovely inspirational story, Lex, and so sorry for your pup.
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lexklein said:
My dad is a regular walker, but my mom has not kept up with that recently, so I was pleasantly surprised by her stamina in Italy. She did admit she crashed once they got home! I hope your parents keep traveling into ripe old age!
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Tina Schell said:
What a fantastic opportunity for all of you Lex! Great job making wonderful memories for 3 generations!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Tina – it really was a great trip for all ages. Staggering the time with parents and son made for three different trips for me, too!
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Alison and Don said:
Sorry for the loss of your puppy 😦
Your parents sound amazing! And it sounds like you had a great time despite the age differences.
Alison
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Allison – I miss the doggy so much. 😦
The three generations mixed wonderfully for several weeks, and as I said to Tina above, it was like I got three different trips in one! Hope you are having a great time in Japan!
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James said:
Lex, I am so sad to hear about Wrigley’s passing. I can’t think of the right words of comfort, but I am certain she lived a long, happy life with you (she was such a trooper to go on for 14.5 years) and I feel a little better knowing that you got to bid her farewell. It always happens before you think; my family’s shih tzu made it to her 16th birthday but after that she deteriorated very rapidly.
On a brighter note, your parents’ perseverance is just inspiring! Thank goodness the multi-generational trip went so well. Ever since I moved abroad it’s been increasingly hard to join these kinds of family vacations – I had to decline one to Japan last spring with my 90-plus year old grandparents and almost all my maternal uncles, aunts, and cousins because of work commitments. My mom has been waiting for the chance to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain for the past couple of years and she occasionally asks me when I can go… guess I’d better start planning that soon!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, James – I can’t believe how badly I miss Wrigley. And yes, when the wheels come off, they come off fast. A few years ago, she was still jumping up on the couch, but in the last year, she had become totally unable to walk. 😦
You are at a hard time in your life and career to take time off for long family trips. In a way, I was “lucky” to move twice in the last two years, having to leave my job both times. With the last move, I just decided I’d semi-retire, which makes it much easier to conform my schedule to others’ and get in those family trips. Hope you can plan something with your mom soon – I’d LOVE to do the Camino someday myself!
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Liesbet @ Roaming About said:
First, I’m so sorry about your pooch, your trusted companion. Losing your dear pet is always tough. But, in my opinion, it’s better (lucky?) it happened while you were still home, and not in Italy! That would have been even more heart-breaking.
Second, your parents are extraordinary! What an incredible pair indeed, to be so strong, energetic and self-sufficient at that age. I don’t know many octogenarians who still travel internationally or take planes. If only we could all be like them if/when we reach that age. Model parents. 🙂 I’m glad you and your family had such a wonderful, enriching trip!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Liesbet – we actually put Wrigley to sleep just before I left for the very reason that we didn’t want her to go rapidly downhill in the long-ish time I was gone. A month earlier, I would have said she’d be fine until I got back, but a downturn a week or so before led us to our difficult decision. It was the right one, we know, which makes it a little easier.
My mom and dad are pretty awesome, I agree! Fingers crossed I inherited their energy and longevity!
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estelea said:
OK now I understand where you got your good looks and great energy from ! I love this post, they are so inspiring ❤ and so you are ! Have a beautiful week ahead and I am going to book 4 days in Florence right now ! XXX
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lexklein said:
Oh, you are too kind! I did get lucky being born to these two, though. When are you headed to Europe this summer? Book those Florence tickets early; it was super crowded even in April!
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FastPam@thelifebus said:
Awww Lex, so sorry to hear about the baby. 😢😢 I know how hard that is. I have one kitty left – 17.5 – it’s coming and I dread it so much. On the flip side, what a great trip you had with the fam! I would love to have parents like yours!!! I was wondering where you were! I was starting to worry about ya!
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lexklein said:
Yep, I’m alive and well, just hiding out a bit feeling sad about the dog and, of course, off on the long trip with those sprightly parents! We had lots of fun, and it was a timely distraction for sure. Sorry about your cat – sometimes the worst is the anticipation of losing them. 😦
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FastPam@thelifebus said:
yes for sure. Glad you were surrounded by loved ones for a while 🙂
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thirdeyemom said:
How wonderful!
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lexklein said:
It was wonderful for sure! We had a great time – all three generations enjoying the trip in different ways!
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thirdeyemom said:
I think your trip was amazing!!!! How awesome Lexi. So my husband now can’t go on our big Europe trip in a month as h threw out his back. We had already paid for everything so now my dad is coming in his place so we will have three generations too. Excited for my kids first trip to Europe.
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lexklein said:
Oh, no! I’m so sorry for him, and for you and the kids, but I’m also happy you will get to do this three-generation trip! My parents tagged along on a family vacation to Greece about ten years ago, and my children still remember it as one of our best trips ever.
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carolinehelbig said:
Oh Lexi, you are so lucky to be sharing this experience with your parents and son….but you know this! Your parents look awesome. I hope I’m still drinking wine every night and exploring the uneven streets of Rome when I’m their age.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your very sweet-looking pup!
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lexklein said:
I was lucky indeed – in fact, I feel lucky in general to have the family I do! And I have the same hope that I will be healthy and active enough to enjoy the things my parents are doing in their later years. Thanks for the condolences on the pup; she was extremely precious to us (as are everyone’s pets, but we always think no one could love theirs as much – haha), and we miss her terribly. The silver lining is I’m a bit more free these days and look forward to perhaps some more spontaneous travel!
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Bespoke Traveler said:
What a lovely way for you to experience Italy, though you had your initial doubts and how delightful (and delighted) your parents look! My condolences on the loss of your pet.
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lexklein said:
Thanks! It was a great trip in nearly every way, and one of the best parts was how happy my parents were to be able to do it at this stage in their lives. Still struggling with the loss of the dog, but it gets better every day; thanks for your kind thoughts.
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shoreacres said:
I still have days when I open the door and expect to find Dixie Rose waiting for me. There have been times when I’ve greeted her, and then felt foolish for doing so. But it is getting better, and it will for you, too. Believe it or not, my vet contributed to a pet grief counseling service in Austin in her name. I just got the announcement in the mail. Such a sweet gesture — as sweet as the terra cotta plaque with her pawprint that I received with her ashes.
You did make the right decision, hard as it was — of that I’m sure. And I’m already feeling a bit of relief when I contemplate dealing with hurricane season without having to worry about Dixie.
Your trip looks absolutely wonderful! After my dad retired, my parents planned to join friends in Arizona for a month or so during the winter. One day, my dad walked into the kitchen and said to my mom, “Well, if we’re going to go all the way to Arizona, why don’t we go to Africa and visit Linda?” So, they did. They came, and spent a couple of months living in up-country Liberia. One of my great treasures is a photo of my dad with a village chief — something I certainly never expected to see!
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lexklein said:
Call me flipping crazy, but after returning home and coming in to a horribly empty dog spot for the first few days, I found and ordered a stuffed dog that looks uncannily like my sweet Wrigley. I hid her at first, assuming my husband would think I’d lost it. Then I pulled her out and he loved it! Even my kids could see the tiny bit of happiness I gained from having a small soft thing in my arms again. I guess we all do what it takes, and mine is a little weird!
I love that story about your parents! Hanging onto a little bit of adventuresomeness (not sure that’s a word) in later years seems to keep people young at heart, whether it’s an overseas trip or just trying something new at home. I must remember this myself someday.
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shoreacres said:
I don’t think it’s weird at all. At least, if it is, we’re both weird. Dixie always slept on a sofa where I could see her from the computer. That empty space was haunting, so I pulled out my old Raggedy Ann doll and plunked her there. The doll’s back in her accustomed place now, but for a time, she helped to fill a space that was just too large.
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lexklein said:
Yep, the empty space … that’s the tough part.
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LuAnn said:
I want to still be traveling like your parents when I get to be their age. Although travel can be wearing at times, I think it is so good for us in so many ways. This post brought back so many lovely memories of our trip to Italy. Thanks Lexi!
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lexklein said:
You know, I could even see how good it was for my parents as it was happening. My mom walked more than she ever does at home, they didn’t squabble with each other (haha), and they just seemed so lively in every way. They are pretty active and energetic in general, but getting outside their normal environment was wonderfully stimulating, I think. I want to be traveling at that age, too!
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LuAnn said:
Anything ringing endorsement for travel, at any age!
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twobrownfeet said:
Looks like we’ve got new goals! Basil and I hope to keep travelling as long as we can and your parents have proved that it’s possible. 🙂 I enjoyed reading this post. It’s sweet, funny, and inspirational. It also made me smile. Smiling parents can do the trick! 🙂
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lexklein said:
I’m glad we could make you smile! 🙂 They made me smile, too – as the years go by in regular life, it’s easy to focus on the things our parents are not doing like they used to, so it was great to see what is still possible. Good inspiration for all of us!
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Cheryl Capaldo Traylor said:
I’m so sorry to hear about your pup. That’s always a heartbreaking time. We lost our pup in 2007 and still miss him.
It’s so wonderful that you had an amazing trip to Italy with both of your parents. I hope I’m traveling at their age, too.
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lexklein said:
I imagine I will miss her forever. 😦
The trip did salve my wounds a little, at least temporarily. I’m with you! Let’s keep going ’til the very end!
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Dave Ply said:
I’m always impressed when I hear or see folks of advanced years traipsing around and carrying on like they’re 20 years younger. They set the bar for the rest of us.
Sorry to hear about your pup. Even when you’re expecting it, it doesn’t make it any easier. Critters that have been with you that long definitely qualify as family.
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lexklein said:
May we all carry on that way (both ways!) for many more years! Yeah, the dog has left a big hole, but I’m trying to see the silver lining, which is a newfound freedom to pick up and go more spontaneously.
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Lisa Dorenfest said:
Ah I totally understand the ‘burden’ of making sure everyone is having a good time. I dream of solo travel when I am trying to convince The Captain to visit the sites I want to see when we sail into a city. In the end, he typically enjoys the places that we visit, but it is not an easy road to get him there.
But lucky for you, your parents sound like real troopers. Actually, I don’t know if I could keep up with them.
I laughed at your mom’s reference to the Airbub and asking your son to explain the internet to her in three minutes (sounds like my mom). And the pics are great…the one of your Dad looking out from the arches is a masterpiece. Your caretaker side totally comes out in the post and I am so proud that you were able to let your ‘adult children’ out of your sight for an afternoon and let them ‘figure it out on their own’ ;-).
Reading about them here made me surprisingly long for a visit from my family again. Dad may come to Madagascar (no dates set so you still have dibs – but book soon ;-). And I know I can count on my sister to show up at the darndest times, but again, nothing book at the moment. Mom sadly may have lost her lust for international travel, but we shall see what the future holds.
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lexklein said:
I always long to do things with my family, too, … and then I go and the stress sets in! Haha – it’s hard to always feel in charge, which I do now on a lot of those trips. I know they are few and far between, so I still try to make it happen. I’ll sure never forget these excursions!
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Jolandi Steven said:
What a zest for life, indeed. I got tired just reading about this adventure. Such a special privilege to have had both your parents and son with you on this trip, Lex. I hope it helped soothe your pain of loss.
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lexklein said:
Well, the trip at least masked the pain for a little bit …
And I think people summon extra reserves of strength and stamina on a trip like this. My parents are amazing in general, but like me and most other travelers, they were able to ramp up their usual energy supplies to see and do everything possible in those 8-9 days. (Like you clearing your new land, right?!) Thanks for reading and commenting; this voyage was such a fun way to connect the generations, which we try to do as much as we can.
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Jolandi Steven said:
So true! It is amazing how we can tap into energy reserves we don’t even know exist otherwise. 🙂
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LdG luciledegodoy said:
I’m very sorry to hear about your pet. 💞
And there was no better way to heal your heart than giving your parents and your son such a wonderful time.
I totally related to your initial concerns and preparations, and was laughing at myself, remembering a road trip through Austria and Germany with my 87 y/o father and some family members, back in 2015. I still treasure those days. He was a pro!
Your parents are beautiful and amazing! They endured Italy’s crowds and its not always efficient ways. Chapeau.
And what a joy it must have been to spend these days with them!
They really didn’t focus on the possible limitations of having replacement knees and a pacemaker, but rather on the great opportunity to see new sights, learn new things, and enjoy a glass of wine in the best company ever!
Apples don’t fall far from their trees…don’t they say that?
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lexklein said:
Oh, thank you, Lucile, and sorry for my delayed reply. The trip was indeed a balm for my bruised spirits back in April, and the fact that my parents handled everything with aplomb made it all the more pleasant. I hope all is well with you; we miss seeing you with the same old regularity, but then again, I haven’t been quite as prolific of late myself! Have a great summer!
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LdG luciledegodoy said:
Talking about delayed reply, I’m the winner. Sorry, Lexie.
I miss blogging and miss you all but after summer I’ll be here more regularly.
I’m so thrilled to hear that you’re going to meet Lisa! I envy you in a good way. Wishing you a wonderful time together and a great summer as well!
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lexklein said:
I totally get it. I have cut back on both posting and reading but still enjoy them when I find the time! Things just worked out for a Madagascar visit when I found dates and free flights using miles that all clicked – can’t wait!
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LdG luciledegodoy said:
That sounds wonderful. Safe travels, enjoy there and give a big hug to Lisa. Looking forward to the new posts from both of you.
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Hoarder Comes Clean said:
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog – we went to UU on Sunday morning and it was the Blessing of the Animals day. I looked around at all the dogs (and 2 cats!) and re-experienced the loss of all the pets of my life. So, my heart goes out to you.
But what a wonderful trip you had with your human family! Your parents are amazing, and you are amazing for organizing the whole thing.
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lexklein said:
Thank you, Sandy, for your nice comments about my little dog and my parents! It was a weird time to be away but also a good one, as it turned out. Getting a little distance (in both ways) from the loss of the dog was good for me. And spending that special time with my two wonderful parents was a treat I’ll always treasure.
(I Googled “Atlanta UU”! Is it a church?)
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Forestwood said:
I feel sure you would have inherited some of their lust for adventure! What a wonderful couple.Inspiring
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lexklein said:
Thanks! I guess I’d say we are mostly a “curious” family, with everyone having a lifelong interest in seeing and learning more, whether it’s through travel or other pursuits. They were certainly impressive on this trip late in their lives!
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