In the last several years, my Mom and Dad loved to get away to tropical destinations once or twice per winter. One particular destination that captured their hearts was a resort in Liberia, Costa Rica. Plans for their January 2022 trip to this beloved destination were abruptly halted when, that very month, Mom was diagnosed with cancer.
Last winter, my Dad proposed a family getaway to Costa Rica for my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, my husband, and I. Although I knew the trip would be emotional, I was excited to go. The idea of spending time with my family and immersing myself in the elements Mom cherished about the country and the resort felt like a way to be closer to her memory.
I
hadn't travelled with my parents in years, so my husband and I had been
talking about maybe going on a trip sometime soon with them. We
had even researched the costs of joining Mom and Dad in Costa Rica right
before we found out Mom was sick. After Mom died, thinking about Costa
Rica made me feel really regretful... I really wished that we had prioritized shared travel experiences sooner.
During our stay, Dad shared some of his cherished memories of their adventures together. He showed me each of the rooms they had stayed in and what they liked the most about them. He shared memories of different meals they had, he introduced us to the staff who still worked there from when they had been there in prior years, and he showed us the parts of the resort that had changed since the last time they were there. Dad also showed me the pool where mom diligently practiced to earn her Scuba diving licence. Throughout the week, as strangers practiced for their own scuba licences, I envisioned Mom immersed in the same process. Mom was so excited when she got her licence. Although I couldn't appreciate her love of scuba diving (sharks, DUH), I was proud of her too. Mom always demonstrated that with enough determination and prioritization, you could achieve anything you set your mind to.
On January 25th, 2023, we took some time out of our day to walk the beach and disperse some of Mom's ashes into the depths of the ocean. The water held a special place in Mom's heart, and allowing her to return to its embrace felt right. As the waves gently carried Mom's ashes into the ocean, a profound sense of closure washed over me. It was a moment that symbolized not just a goodbye, but a celebration of a life well-lived.
Throughout our time in Costa Rica, Mom's spirit was ever-present. It was so important to me to navigate the emotional currents together, to share laughter, to reminisce, and spend time together in a place that held so much significance for Mom. Our trip was an opportunity to create new memories together, which I know Mom would have wanted us to do. Mom's legacy lives on in our hearts, minds, and memories.
While the regret of not going on this family adventure while Mom was still here lingered, it was a powerful reminder. Life is a precious gift meant to be savored and lived.
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