The older I get the less I want, the more I do.
That seems to be the pattern emerging, for me anyway. I just don’t want “things” anymore. I want to do things. I want to see stuff. I want experience.
I also don’t like to give “things” as gifts. I still do, but I’m trying to be more conscious of making them meaningful. If I can get back every novelty, useless, bought out of tradition and obligation gift I have given my mom over the years, I’d do it in a heart beat.
Most of them meant nothing.
Of course there are a few items I’ve given that she values and values very much. Ornaments I made as a child. Photos I had framed for her wall. But really, think about it. How many other presents from events past are now forgotten?
This year I was blessed enough to give her something that could never be tossed aside. I decided to give her the gift of travel.
As you can see in the video above and the picture below, her reaction was priceless!
Neither of us have traveled overseas before, so I decided on a guided tour.
This is the overview we were looking at.
We leave January 12 for Rome and I’m still slightly in shock we’re going.
For as long as I could remember my mom has wanted to go to Italy.
And I feel like the luckiest person in the world to make that dream come true for her.
Click here to see our itinerary!
Update: See posts below for pictures of our trip…
PREVIOUS POST
Erin
December 29, 2012So sweet! That made me cry. Have fun!
Krista S.
December 29, 2012I'm totally bawling! What a SWEET and THOUGHTFUL and MEMORABLE gift, Roni. I hope you and your mom have the time of your lives. ♥
Jen R
December 29, 2012You will have a blast! While I haven't been to Italy, I have been to Europe 3 times and it is amazing! Have fun!
Sally
December 29, 2012That is an incredible gift! I totally just cried watching your video also lol. I hope you guys have an AMAZING trip!
Lori
December 29, 2012I was just in Italy over the summer and I want to go back. You will love it!
Amilja
December 29, 2012Oh I think you are a very special daughter! I hope you and your mom will love Italy. It is a bit cold there now but I am so sure it is less grouded and absolutely beautiful anyway. I went to North Italy (Venice, Milan, Verona) last July. Next July I will travell with my husband to Rome. We absolutely love Italy.
KIm
December 29, 2012I can't wait to read all about it! Please share the tour company with us...(if you don't mind)
JenS
January 1, 2013Will do! I'm planning a more detailed post!
Laurie
December 29, 2012So excited for you guys! My family has plans to visit Italy in the next few yrs. Can't wait to hear about it! Could you share the tour company? I would also be interested.
Aimee
January 1, 2013I will do a more detailed post on the trip details soon.
BigTickles
December 29, 2012That was the best gift ever! I am sure you two will have a ball! Beats a crockpot or a candle any day!
Liz
December 29, 2012I cried even before I saw the video. Wonderful wonderful gift for you both. I am looking forward to reading about it. Have an amazing time! And I couldn't agree with you more, there's nothing I need, but so much I want to do and see. I feel like I've done more in the last 6 years since my son was born than all 32 years before that and we aren't going to stop anytime soon. Happy New Year!!
Angela @ Honey, I Shrunk the Mom
January 1, 2013ME TOO! So much life was discovered after I had kids!
HeyBeckyJ
December 29, 2012Why did I start crying while just looking at the pictures? That was beautiful..simply beautiful. I think I should start giving the gift of travel; it is time to start expanding hoizons. Until then, I will live through your travels.
Sara, Food Blogger on a Diet / Ms. Adventures in Italy
December 30, 2012SO AWESOME! Travelling with family gives you the absolute best memories - a far better present than any item you could give. You will have a BLAST in Europe and take lots of photos (I no longer buy souvenirs, I take pictures which are my souvenirs).
Kim
December 30, 2012Oh, Roni! That made me CRY! And I don't even know you or your mom. ;) Such a sweet and generous gift. ♥ I hope you have a wonderful time!
Roni
December 31, 2012My husband and I did a very similar itinerary when we went to Italy in June 2010. It was an amazing trip! Rome is one of my all time my favorite places that I've been. Enjoy your trip; it will be even better to be able to share that with your mom.
Roni
December 31, 2012Definitely made me cry :) Going to have to hook up with you again about the itinerary to see if I can't pop in one day and hang out! If you have hotels and things send them my way!
Roni
December 31, 2012That was so wonderful!!! What a great gift!
Lyn
January 1, 2013Roni, This is the best thing you'll ever do. My mom and I planned to travel together, and I kept putting in off until I could afford it. She died suddenly last year and now we'll never have the chance. You will never regret this gift to your mom (and to yourself). I can't wait to see the pictures.
Gina
January 2, 2013I hope you get every penny back from the Diet Bet, and then some! I'm crying too!
Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me
January 2, 2013This? Was all kinds of awesome and such a great way to start my year. It totally made me cry! What an amazing gift!
Michelle
January 2, 2013I love how you love your mom......it comes through in many of your post. I wish you the best time in Italy.....cannot wait to hear all about it! Michelle in Canada
Julie
January 3, 2013Wow! That was truly amazing! I wish you guys the best on your travels and hope to one day be able to do something that great for my mom!
Italy Itinerary and Nervous Thoughts
January 4, 2013I love this video! I saw it on Facebook already but it still chokes me up. This is so awesome for both of you!
Patty
January 6, 2013Your post brought back so many memories! My mom had tickets to Italy, A lifetime dream also, before her cancer came back. She passed away before the trip. It's wonderful that you are focusing on this kind of gift for your mom. You won't ever regret doing/ having this time with your mom!
Wanda
January 7, 2013Your thoughtful posts often make me cry but this video made me bawl! Enjoy every second!
Tina
January 14, 2013That is just the SWEETEST thing ever. You are an amazing daughter and you're mom looks SO thrilled!
Jackie
January 21, 2013I am watching this after the trip but wow brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful surprise...
Robyn
July 15, 2013Roni, After reading this post earlier this year, I went to my husband and said, "I think we should go to Europe this summer." It's one of those things we've been talking about for years. But we always thought the time wasn't right or we didn't have enough money or a zillion other things. But I realized there was really no reason we couldn't -- or shouldn't -- do it right now. So after months of planning, we leave for London, Paris, and Cologne for 2 weeks on Friday. So thank you! You are ever an inspiration!