Life on the road provides us with unrivaled adventures we can only experience by taking the leap to start our journey. But what will we miss from our familiar lives? Upon departing for a trip into the unknown we try to be conscious of the sacrifices we’ve made and the life moments back home that will be missed from our pilgrimage abroad. However, naturally, we tend to think of the positive events that will resume on without us. Happy times, the ones we would usually partake in and be present for, but now can eventually be caught up on once a wifi signal is received. As an optimist, and a glass half full type of person, I admittedly have omitted spending time thinking about the tougher situations that may possibly occur and I will not be around for. I justify it by convincing myself not to waste time or energy on something that hasn’t happened or something I have no have control over.
A few days ago I was hit with one of those tougher circumstances leaving me to feel helpless and stranded in a small town in Sicily halfway across the world. Waking up to a text message from my father notifying me that my grandmother had passed away. At 94 years of age, my Grandma Lucy lived a happy and fulfilled life. The kindest most gentle person I have ever met, is in a better place now, resting at peace.
It’s been rough attempting to deal with the whirlwind of emotions that comes along with the death of a loved one. It gets even tougher when you’re almost 4,700 miles away from your family when they need your support the most. Facing the logistical incapacities of getting home and being with them for the service and funeral procession has been tough to swallow. Instead of helping my father mourn the passing of his mother I’m listening to the barking of a wild dog and overly loud exhaust of a shitty fiat, stuck in Nicolosi without a way out. But this is the path I chose. Face-time can’t replace hugs or the condolences during a time of mourning. Not being able to hold the hand of my grandmother one last time is a reality I have to face. But I know she is happy I am exploring the country where her parents immigrated from and am connecting with our family’s roots. There is no doubt she is proud of what I am doing. Love, memories and prayer will give me the strength to push forward.
We’re not professional travelers or tour guides. We are two best friends on a mission to see the world. We had a dream and won’t give up until we see it fulfilled, all while sharing our story along the way. We want Bros Around The Globe to be as real as possible. An unfiltered, un-edited look into the obstacles and triumphs of long term budget travel around the world. To show and share our experiences of living life on the road both positive and negative, good or bad. Travel isn’t always easy and can’t always be rainbows and sunshine. Life will happen wherever on earth you may be. This is life now and life will move on. It’s also time to move on from Sicily. Day 21. The trek to Florence awaits.
RIP
Lucy DeRiso
June 9, 1923 – August 19th, 2017