Not long before we were originally scheduled to leave for our France trip, my mother unexpectedly passed away from a stroke. Stuck in a small town most of her life, my mother never travelled, and I knew that it was up to me to get out into the world for the both of us. I always knew she was meant for more than the life she was given, and I knew that I, too, deserved to experience what the world has to offer rather than living a sheltered life.
With my share of her ashes that were split between my sisters and I, I carefully packed them and off to France we went. It didn’t take me long to realize that Aix-en-Provence, and generally the south of France, would always have a special place in my heart. I was now on a mission to find a place to spread her ashes so that a part of her could remain in this corner of the world that I hold so dear.
On our second trip to Marseille to ferry to an island and swim in the Mediterranean, I knew I had to bring her along. I went off on my own for a little while to spend some time with her. While walking to the cliff I had chosen I listened to her favorite songs (from the 80s of course) and I felt for sure that she was there feeling the cool breeze and smelling the sea air. I was happy that I did that, and now I’ll always know that a part of my heart is off somewhere enjoying the Islands off the coast of Marseille.
I have plenty more of my mom and I’ll take her with me in the future as I travel so that she can travel too.
Averett Around the World 