Memories

I was half-consciously browsing social media today, struggling to find motivation to post a blog entry. Whenever I leave it a couple days it always makes the next post harder to type up, I truly need to do it every day to keep the ball rolling at a decent speed.

You probably know Facebook memories, the social media platform occasionally brings up pictures from this date in a previous year, reminding us of the good and bad memories we decided to share with the world. Today’s caught me off guard as it was a picture of my dad, accompanying me and my immediate family and close friends on the airport shuttle as I headed on my first big adventure in 2010.

I was flying from Newcastle to West Texas to work in a hotel as an intern after university. One of the best years of my life. At this point I was still full of excitement, it didn’t really sink in that I wasn’t going to see my family again in person for a whole year until the cabin crew informed us we were about to land in the Lone Star State. I am very lucky I have family that despite missing me as much as I missed them, understood the importance of travel and having these experiences, especially at 21. It was a year that changed me as a person for the better and helped me understand the importance of experiencing this world whilst we can. It helped give birth to this blog and inspired the name One Chance to See the World.

This name is more true now than ever, as my dad is no longer here. After he developed a very aggressive disease a couple of years after this picture was taken, it reminds me that life is fragile and despite travelling being an important aspect of my life, going home and seeing my family again is priceless. This is why I am happy to be travelling back to England in September, despite this current Australian adventure being as amazing as my American trip was back in 2010.

It really caught me off guard seeing this picture again. I was totally zoned out and it just hit me. It is so strange seeing someone’s face after you know they are no longer here, it’s a bit like having a dream that they are still around and I have these from time to time. But it is a good feeling too, as they are great memories to cherish. What keeps me sane after this loss is remembering that we had great memories together, and my last memory wasn’t an argument or something negative. This is why I never leave a conversation on bad terms no matter what’s been happening. Any conversation could be the last and that conversation could eat away at your conscience for a lifetime.

I am sure many of you can relate to this too. I guess my advice here would be to not take life too seriously and always try to get along with family and friends as each conversation has the potential to be a huge memory in the future. It is important to make every moment a potentially great memory to look back on with a smile and not a regret, and I am very grateful this one brings a smile to my face.

 

Thank you again to all my followers and regular readers, and hello to you if you are new to my blog.

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Cheers!

Sam

 

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30 thoughts on “Memories”

    1. Thanks for the kind words Pam. I worked in a college town called Lubbock, home of the Red Raiders, not sure if you know of them. I worked in a brand new hotel there and as the city was filled with people my age it was so much fun. I would love to visit again one day 🙂

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  10. Lovely post.
    My Dad passed away 15 years ago yesterday, so I can relate.
    Since then I have seen so many parts of the world that he would have loved to have seen.
    I spent a fair bit of time with him in the hospital before he died (a fairly quick demise, fortunately and unfortunately) and I am so glad I got that one on one time with him for those extra memories to stash away.

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    1. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, it sounds like your situation was fairly similar to mine. Thankfully you had enough time to have those extra memories.

      I wish you all the best, thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a great week.

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  12. I am sorry for your loss. It’s always bittersweet finding such strong reminders of how happy we once were with loved ones that are not there anymore. It’s strange that I have been to Newcastle for the first time two weeks ago and then I came across this. I loved it there- quite peaceful and serene.

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    1. Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words.

      It is funny how you were in the city and then found my post! I am pleased you enjoyed Newcastle, it is always lovely to hear from someone that has been and enjoyed it 🙂 I am heading back up north tomorrow actually for a week.

      Thank you again, and I hope you are having a lovely weekend.

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