I’ve lived in 4 states and, thanks to technology, I’ve managed to keep up with friends from my childhood, my college years and my early working years. However, emails and phone calls are not the same as in-person visits.
My college sorority has a yearly reunion every May and recently added a November “Friendsgiving” event. When I was younger, I went to the May reunion handful of times, and I figured I’d keep going regularly.
But then, life happens. I moved, started new jobs, got married, prioritized my kids’ activities. And then, before I knew it, it’s been 20+ years since I’ve been back to my university.
The November reunion is coming up in a few weeks. I thought about going, but then I decided it’s not the right time. My kids have school activities I should attend. Plus, I already have a trip to Chicago planned for the following week.
Then last week, my husband and I got some shocking news. A friend that he’s known since college passed away suddenly. He was just 45 years old. I met him shortly after I met my husband 20 years ago. We both couldn’t wrap our heads around the news, and I actually texted a friend to ask if this was a fake post or a hoax or if it was real. Sadly, she confirmed the news was real.
People my age (or younger!) should not be dying. I know it happens, but it’s still just shocking to me.
Later that day, I went on aa.com and booked a round-trip ticket to Kansas City to attend my sorority reunion that happens in a few weeks. Thankfully, I was able to book AA Web Special Awards, and my cost was just 14,000 AA miles round-trip. I’m hoping to get my IHG free night certificate before the trip and use it for my hotel.
The Stars Might Not Align Perfectly
Travel, in some ways, is like having a baby. There is never the PERFECT time to do it. You may not have the income you want to have, you might have to miss out on something back home, you might not be at your ideal weight/hair color/age that you wanted to be for a reunion.
But, tomorrow is not promised. And the sudden reminder of this that we got last week was enough to convince me to book the flight, go see my friends, and have fun. I’m wondering why I’ve waited so long to go back. But, better late than never.
Eat the cake. Take the trip. Just go.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Yes! Taking a trip is very much like having a baby in a sense that it’s never a perfect time. Financially speaking, it’s always better for us to stay home. But we still go, and I wouldn’t trade memories for extra money in our savings account.
@Leana Exactly–those memories are worth it!