Memories, new and old.  As I pack for us to leave tomorrow to take our European cruise, I can't help but think that the last time I packed my family for a European cruise Jared was with us. It was this same time of year 3 years ago we embarked on our journey to cruise Greece and Turkey and then spent a week in France. At the time we had no idea it would be our last vacation together.
Most of the places we will be visiting in the next two weeks, Jared never got the chance to see. But Italy, Italy is different. That is going to be a harder destination for me. We honeymooned in Italy. Had our marriage blessed by the Pope. Started our bucket list of vacations there. So as we walk the streets of Florence and Rome, I will share with Steven memories of the time his dad and I walked those same streets.

And of course, we will make new memories on this trip. It is my mom's first trip to Europe. I am so excited for her to see and experience all there is. I'm excited for Steven to have these new adventures and to see where his dad and I honeymooned. And I'm excited that we get to make new memories with Jon and Alli.  To stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar. To see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. To tour the Top View at La Sagrada Familia.

Once again, my past and my future are intersecting. It seems my past and my future will always be connected. And to me, that’s perfectly normal. Just as it should be.