• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Public Relations & Branding
/
August 14, 2010

Life’s Journey and The Marks You Leave Behind

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

As travelers we often contemplate  and write about the marks a place and its people leave behind, whether it be in our hearts, our minds, our beings. But how often do we pay attention to the marks that we leave behind? Are they worthy of our mention?

My mother was an amazing woman. A single mother of two, when I lived with her and my younger brother, I never wanted for anything and it wasn’t till much older that I learned that she struggled financially to give us those things we needed.  I do remember that she worked hard. She often said that pursuing and attaining her college degree as a woman in her 40s, with a full-time job and two happy and healthy children was one of her greatest achievements.

As she grew older and we talked more as two female friends then just mother and daughter, she confided in me and shared her many dreams. One of them being able to travel the world when she retired. She had saved for it. Worked for it. Deserved it.

She had survived breast cancer, found love and retired. She had raised two children on her own who adored her and were successful and happy. Just as she planned the first of what she said would be many, many more trips she was diagnosed with cancer yet again. This time it deformed and debilitated her, and eventually killed her.

It has been three years since the death of my mother and I have never been the same. Her death changed me and affected me in ways nothing else in my life has.

The outpouring of love and the many tears cried from friends far and wide was overwhelming. People who she had known since her childhood, as a young immigrant to this country, as a professional in different jobs, as a daughter, sister, friend, mother loved her. They spoke of the good she did. How she helped and cared for others. How she had very little, but gave so much in friendship, encouragement, and affection. How she inspired other women, other mothers. She would’ve been proud. We were proud.

Even though I knew my mother to be the kindest of souls and strongest of women, it was the reaction to her death from so many, and how they remembered and celebrated her that really made me self-examine myself.

When I die, when I leave all the people that know me behind, how will I be remembered? Will it be in a way that will make my children proud? That will inspire them to be the best THEY can be? Will they learn to stand up for themselves? To speak out against injustice or cruelty? To never be pushed down and to help others up?

The list of unfulfilled dreams my mother left behind drives me each day to do what I love. The support of my husband and family gives me the freedom to do so. The strength and courage with which she faced adversity and struggles helps me to stay committed to doing the same for myself. But it is the mark I leave behind during this journey through life that guides me.

I am not always kind, nor am I always wise. I sometimes speak too much, and fail to listen. I have not mastered the art of forgiveness, and I often give in to anger. I am not always the best wife, nor am I always a good mother…and as a friend I strive to be better.

But the bottom line is I strive and try. I think and reflect. I consider other’s feelings and apologize often, from the heart and sincerely.  Life is too short. My mother’s life is an example of that. When I fail in my efforts, she is the person I think of and helps me back to my center. I want to enjoy this journey as much as possible. The hope is that when I encounter those who I pass, whether by chance or by choice, the mark I leave, if any, is one that would honor the kind, outspoken, strong, and confident woman who raised me in a way that would make us both proud.

In your life’s journey, what marks are you striving to leave behind? And does it make you proud?

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Blogaversary: A Blog Turns One, The Adventure Continues

December 10, 2009

Ice Skating in The Pond, Bryant Park, NY

December 28, 2009

When I worked in Public Relations: A Blogger’s Perspective

December 3, 2010
4 Comments
  • Patty@NYC Girl at He
    August 17, 2010

    You're mom was a wonderful person. I mostly know you from the blogs but when you described her, I saw a lot of you in her description. I'm sure she is so proud of you. It meant a great deal to meet you at Blogher even if it was a short conversation in a hectic day for all of us, you were warm and sweet. You touched me. Hope I get to see you again soon xo 🙂

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Patty@NYC Girl at He
      August 20, 2010

      Thank you Patty. That is the biggest compliment anyone has ever given me. Those are big shoes to fill. I can only wish to be that wonderful. Thank you.

      Reply
  • Annette Davis
    August 20, 2010

    This is beautifully written. I'm saving this. My mother is an incredible woman. You've re-opened my eyes to that in my busy world of living. Thank you for sharing your heart. I now have my own daughter. Do you have kids?

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Annette Davis
      August 20, 2010

      Thank you Annette! Yes I do…3 to be exact : )

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Patty@NYC Girl at He Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Falling in love with Asheville, NC
Next Post
Pop Burger: A Quick Burger Fix

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America316 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Are you a MacKenzie-Childs fan? I only heard about Are you a MacKenzie-Childs fan? I only heard about @mackenziechilds after moving to the Finger Lakes, as did my husband. But my MIL is very well-versed in all things MC and is a massive fan. We were so pleased to have learned that her visit coincided with their Artisan Crafts Festival (going on through today, Oct 1, 2023), featuring regional artisans and craft makers, as well as tons of discounted MC items! We thought for sure this would be fun FOR HER and that was the goal. Little did WE ALL expect - including the teens - to enjoy it so much and get caught up in the excitement of finding items we also wanted (the pumpkins and Xmas decor were a huge hit)! Plus the festival has several delicious food trucks and beautiful grounds to explore, as well as this whimsical farmhouse to tour - seen here. 

So we walked away with several goodies (not just for grandma) and a lesson on not making assumptions because we actually really loved it. In the end, it was such a fun day and we all agreed we would return, even without grandma in tow!

To learn more about the artists who founded MacKenzie-Childs and the fun festivals they host throughout the year, visit their website.

#mackenziechilds #aurorany #fingerlakes #artsandcrafts
The only place I happily wake up before the sun is The only place I happily wake up before the sun is in the country because it is absolutely magical. ✨

#fingerlakes #countryside #myflx #countryliving
There’s so much to see, pick, eat, and enjoy dur There’s so much to see, pick, eat, and enjoy during harvest season in the Finger Lakes! The lakes are a bit colder but still so beautiful, our favorite wineries are busy harvesting grapes (thanks to our friends at @wagnervineyards for taking me along for the ride!), and there is so much abundance from our local farmers to enjoy!

Here’s a glimpse of life in wine country! 🍁🍂🍎🍏🎃

#myflx #flxwinecountry #harvest #citygirlgonecountry #countrylife
My awesome babes. Love them so much. #NationalSons My awesome babes. Love them so much. #NationalSonsDay
The early morning fog is my favorite view of the s The early morning fog is my favorite view of the season. If by the lake it dances over the vineyards, water, and hills. If in the valleys, like Corning, it sits like a blanket cuddling the streets and homes while everyone slowly starts their day.

The runners at this weekend’s @wgmarathon might get to enjoy a glimpse of it as they start their race (I will be up early to cheer my girl @thereshegoesagn on! 🙌🏾). But even if you don’t get up early enough to enjoy this sight, the fall colors are here to take your breath away too. 🍁🍂 

#myflx #flxwinecountry #corningny #flxfall #bestfallgetaways #fallvibes #autmnseason
Yay! It’s officially autumn, my absolute favorit Yay! It’s officially autumn, my absolute favorite season especially since moving to the Finger Lakes! Harvest has already started and soon everything will be colorful with a warm glow. 🍂🍁🎃 Have you visited the region in the fall?

#myflx #fingerlakes #flxwinecountry #flxfall

Copyright © 2023 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice