“People get on the road, but never open their eyes.”

“People get on the road, but never open their eyes.” -Sharon (aka Sherri)⁣

⁣I just had a call with my mom’s best friend from high school. If you’ve been following me for a while- in regards to my solo journeys, you might have seen me write about Sharon. She was the one who would write letters (and I would read them aloud) to my mom when she was terminal with breast cancer. ⁣

Sharon would describe her travels, mostly out west at the time, and she had this incredible way with words. She would string together sentences that would paint pictures in your minds eye, with such detail- of her surroundings. One of my favorite letters was where she described the way the sunlight would hit the mountains at dusk. ⁣

It was during those readings, when I said to my mom, “I’m going to go there” and she said, as she reached her hand over to mine from her hospital bed, “and I’m going to go with you.”⁣

Sharon and my mom inspired my first trip. ⁣

⁣She just sent me these photos- that I’ve never seen before. It’s me, my mom, my dad, and Sharon. ⁣

⁣It’s crazy to think about someone else, can hold a piece of your life in their memories. ⁣

The conversation had me reflect on how many people are still around (alive) who can share these stories about my mom, and me- as a young child. ⁣

I loved the conversation. Every minute of it. ⁣

To be honest, afterward- I grieved (still am a little). Grieving for all of those who held stories and are no longer with us - my grandparents, my great aunts and uncles...and my mom. ⁣

So, I’ll cherish what I have and learn as much as I can while I am given the gift of time. ⁣

⁣

And Sharon, I promise to “open my eyes”.

2.20.21