Blank pages yet to be filled.

The most common statement from people when I told them we were taking 4 small (6 and under) children to France was akin to: “I’m going to do that too – but at a time when the children will remember it.”   Or: “What a shame they won’t remember a thing.”

Seriously. If you find yourself preparing to say something similar – Don’t. You are talking to a family who has sacrificed a lot to make this trip happen.  We spent thousands of dollars to take a trip.  To go to France.  To celebrate love, friendship, travel, and endless possibilities.  We don’t need to hear that it might all be for naught.

You also shouldn't reveal your ignorance.  Seriously.  Think about it.  Is your goal of travel to remember all things you learn while on your tour?  No.  Will you remember what was on the menu at each restaurant?  Will you even remember the name of the piece of art you saw at the museum? Unlikely.  

Travel connects you.  It shrinks the world for you. It reminds you that you are one small piece of a large puzzle.  You are needed to complete the whole picture, but there are many other pieces that look a lot like you, just as important as you.  We all live, sleep, eat and giggle. 

More than once, the children were running.  Running in a garden, a field, a lake or a city.  They were playing, swimming, eating, climbing, sliding, chasing, riding, laughing and loving with children.  Sure, there was a small detail of talking that seemed difficult to us adults, but it didn't stop the children for a moment. 

I stopped one of the girls once, after over an hour of straight play.  Both girls talking, hand holding, always together.  One speaks French, the other was speaking in English. I said, naively: “What are you guys talking about.”  I got the large sigh from my 4yo, and she said Mom, we are just playing.  She talks, I talk and we both giggle.  She is a very good giggler. 

No, they may not remember the details of the trip, but they will and do remember the love, the adventure and the understanding that nothing is too difficult.  They clutched those passports, inspired to fill the blank pages. The piggy banks are already being aggressively stuffed for the next long journey. 

Next time, feel free to ask why we chose the location.  Feel free to provide travel tips.  But don’t ask me what they will remember.  Memories held in the heart don’t fade; they inspire the next journey.