"I have something to tell you, but I'm nervous," Tommy said at brunch a few weeks ago. He sat across from me and twisted a paper napkin in his hand. His eyes darted all over the place.
I'm one of those over-dramatic people so I immediately thought, "Oh God, he's failing college. He's not graduating after all. " Still, I forced a smile on my face because I needed to be supportive. No matter what.
"Tell me," I said as kindly as I could muster. Even though I wanted to flip my plate full of eggs, bacon, and tater tots in the air dramatically while shrieking, "WHAT IS GOING ONNNNNNNN?"
Tommy still seemed worried, but he cleared his throat and went, "I'm going to Canada. I already booked the plane tickets and hotel."
My first thought? Relief. He wasn't failing a class! Huzzah! The second? Wait. Canada? What? As in way up north Canada? And then, a third..
"This isn't, um, a 90 Day Fiance thing, is it?" I wondered. Because I watch all those shows and I know, I KNOW how they all end up.
Tommy gave me a Look. "No. It's my vacation."
And then he proceeded to tell me that he researched everything and the entire trip was inspired by that video they show in the Canada area in Epcot at Walt Disney World.
Tommy packed, and by packed, I mean he kind threw and stuffed things in the suitcase.
So I kinda cleaned it up a bit.
And then, on travel day, he woke up at 3 AM to catch a 6 AM flight. His connected in Chicago and had a long layover (he picked the cheapest flight, and the cheapest flight meant a 10 hour layover) so he got to explore the city.
He saw the Bean:
He got some pizza:
And walked around the water a bit before heading back to the airport:
Then he was on his way to Canada! He made it safely and has a full schedule of events. One of his first stops was the aquarium.
I am grateful that he's sending me photos and I know he's going to have the best time in Canada.
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Wow and wow! The aquarium pic was so cute! So glad he’s having a safe and amazing adventure in Canada, but the fact that the entire trip was inspired by the Canada video at Epcot is actually iconic.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely aweseome. I love that spirit he has. He saw something that sparked a fire, and he went for it.
ReplyDeleteNice. It's a great trip already! Starting off with some Chicago pizza and taking in a few sites before hitting the Great White North? He's doing it right.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post. The storytelling pulled me in right away and made me curious to keep reading through the entire experience. Posts like this always feel so personal and memorable.
ReplyDeleteI love that the whole trip was inspired by the Epcot Canada video, that is honestly the most wholesome thing. So glad he's having such an adventure and sending photos!
ReplyDeleteI could completely picture the panic before he finally said he was going to Canada. The fact that the trip was inspired by the Epcot Canada video somehow makes the whole story even better :)
ReplyDeleteI can relate to when our kids say something and we don't know what is coming! That is great that he wanted to do this and put a plan into motion.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this for Tommy! It looks like he is truly having such an incredible experience and the photos are amazing. This is definitely one of those unforgettable iconic moments and I’m so happy he gets to enjoy it all.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like he's having a big adventure amazing! I want to see The Bean too haha!
ReplyDeletehahaha, your thoughts crack me up! but wow, doesn't it make you feel proud when they start getting really independent. my boys update me all the time on where they are and what they're doing. I hope that when they're full adults with families and all, they'll still do this.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 AM flight part made me tired just reading it. Did he absolutly love the aquarium?
ReplyDeleteAmber your story feels honest, emotional, and deeply personal. The reflections on family, distance, and Canada stayed with me after reading.
ReplyDeleteI love his joy for travel. His enthusiasm shows he really enjoyed being on vacation. He must have loved the aquarium.
ReplyDeleteA 90 Day Fiance thing. Ha I laughed at that. Anywho, I love Canada it's been forever since I traveled there, but he will have fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful that an Epcot video inspired Tommy to plan this trip. Exploring Chicago during a layover made the adventure even better 😍.
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This was such an interesting and engaging read. I enjoyed how the story captured the excitement that often come with travel and change.
ReplyDeleteAs a Canadian, I found this quite funny. I hope your sons has the BEST time on his trip; this is a beautiful country and there's so much to do and see. One trip will not be enough to enjoy it all - he'll have to come back again and again.
ReplyDeleteThere’s something so lovely about seeing a kid follow through on something that excited him and just go for it. The Chicago layover, the pizza, the Bean, then heading on to Canada made it feel like a real little adventure from the start. I’m glad he’s keeping you updated with photos too.
ReplyDeleteI’m excited for him! It’s such a wonderful experience to explore another country, discover new places, and experience a different culture. Opportunities like these create memories and lessons that can stay with you for a lifetime. He’s also very sweet for keeping you updated throughout his trip and for sending all those photos.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I love that he planned and was able to book the accommodations all by himself. I hope he is having a ton of fun. I’ve never been to Canada myself.
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