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- My great-grandpa promised we’d see the world when I turned 18. He died before we could, so I traveled for both of us. (businessinsider.com)
A Promise Kept: Honoring My Great-Grandfather Through Travel
As a child, my great-grandfather and I shared a special bond, despite our age difference. Every Sunday, he’d spin tales of far-off lands, promising that when I turned 18, we’d explore the world together.
He painted vivid pictures of Venice’s canals and the Netherlands’ windmills, igniting my wanderlust. I cherished this promise, eagerly anticipating the day we’d embark on our grand adventure.
Tragically, my great-grandfather passed away before we could fulfill our dream. His death was a profound loss, and the realization that our travel plans would never materialize was heartbreaking. For a time, I put those dreams aside, focusing on school and navigating the complexities of growing up.
However, as I matured, I felt a renewed desire to honor my great-grandfather’s promise. I decided to see the world for both of us.
At 19, I took my first trip abroad, to Madrid. While not a place we’d specifically discussed, it felt like a step in the right direction.
I established a tradition: every July 1st, the anniversary of his death, I would explore a new destination.
Over the years, my travels have taken me to places I know he would have adored. I’ve strolled along Amsterdam’s canals, picnicked near the Eiffel Tower, and navigated Venice’s charming waterways.
Each journey is a tribute to him and a way to reconnect with the cherished memories of our shared dream. I often wonder what his impressions would be if he were by my side, experiencing these places firsthand.
Even now, I continue this tradition, exploring new countries and revisiting familiar favorites. Whether I’m venturing to far-flung corners of the globe or returning to places that hold special significance, I always take a moment to quietly reflect on my great-grandfather and the promise that continues to inspire my adventures.