Hello 2024: Adventure Awaits!

belizeanprincessdi
Jan 8, 2024
4 min read

Celebrating the end of 2023 & beginning the new year in Rome, Italy

Hello 2024,

a new year... and a fresh start for most.

I began this fresh start in Italy, enjoying a spritz, eating cacio e pepe (an Italian cheese and pepper pasta dish), and watching the fireworks from my bay window. It was a wonderful moment to enjoy, especially since hours before I was at the Colosseum–one of the seven wonders of the world. It was truly breathtaking to see up close and I felt so blessed to not only end 2023, but also start the new year somewhere new.

The last travel of 2023 and the first travel of 2024 serve as symbolic bookends, effectively closing the chapter on the past year and setting the mood for the new one. The last journey of 2023 provides an opportunity for reflection and closure. Traveling to a destination, whether it's a serene beach or a bustling city, allows individuals to detach from the routine, gain perspective, and bid farewell to the experiences, challenges, and memories of the past year. It becomes a ritualistic way to symbolize the end of a chapter, leaving behind what no longer serves and carrying forward the lessons learned.

Conversely, the first travel of 2024 acts as a fresh start, a blank page waiting to be written. It represents the anticipation of new adventures, opportunities, and personal growth. Whether it's exploring a new culture, embarking on an adventurous journey, or simply taking a break to recharge, the first trip of the year sets a positive and optimistic tone for the months ahead. The act of traveling becomes a metaphor for turning the page and embracing the unknown, fostering a sense of excitement and readiness for the upcoming chapters in the book of 2024. Together, these two journeys encapsulate the cyclical nature of life, where closure meets new beginnings, creating a beautiful narrative of growth and renewal.

However, that fearless 'high on life' sensation changed within an instant for me.

My last great-grandparent, Mami passed away that morning on New Year's Day. A day that is typically associated with fresh starts and new beginnings was now tainted in my mind by the passing of my great-grandmother. Nothing could have prepared me for the bittersweet

experience of such a significant loss occurring on a day meant for celebration.

The juxtaposition of grief and the anticipation of a new year created a complex emotional landscape for the first week in January.

My worst nightmare occurred. Only six months after my other great-grandmother passed, the family and I were right back at square one. But this time, there was not a wedding in between and I was miles away, in a different time zone on another continent...waking up finding the news via text.

Truthfully, no one can imagine the amount of tears I cried, especially within the hour. I was devastated.

When it came to losing my great-grandparents, the intricate emotions I was feeling became compounded by the realization that an entire generation of familial wisdom and history has now come to an end. Papa passed in 2012, Mama passed in 2023 and now Mami has too in 2024.

Great-grandparents often hold a unique and revered place in family dynamics, serving as the bridge between generations and the bearers of cherished family stories and traditions. The tears cried in the aftermath of such a loss stem not only from the sorrow of the immediate departure but also from the awareness that a significant chapter of familial connection has closed. The depth of grief is intensified by the understanding that the living links to the past have faded away, leaving behind memories and legacies that must now be carried forward by the remaining family members.

The tears we shed reflect not only the pain of separation but also the recognition that with each generation, a unique piece of family history is lost. It prompts a reflection on the richness of the stories that my great-grandparents carried with them—stories of resilience, love, hardship, and joy.

Moreover, for me, the realization that I have no more living great-grandparents underscores the importance of cherishing the memories and lessons they imparted. It signals a shift in the family landscape, prompting a deep sense of nostalgia for the times I had spent with them, which I will forever be grateful for.

While the tears may seem incomprehensible to others, they represent a deep personal process of coming to terms with loss, honoring the legacy of those who came before, and finding ways to preserve and celebrate the invaluable contributions of great-grandparents to the intricate web of family history. The tears are a testament to the enduring impact of familial bonds and the profound influence that great-grandparents have on shaping the identity and narrative of a family.

In turn, during times like these, it's important to acknowledge and honor the memory of my great-grandmother while allowing myself the space to grieve. Therefore, finding solace in the shared memories and the impact she had on my life are a source of comfort, particularly coming to terms with her death these past few days.

Thus, if you asked me what my new year resolution is/was, I would say I do not usually have one. I personally set resolutions periodically for myself throughout the year–since the only constant we ever have is change. But this new year...my new year will represent a period of reflection and renewal, where I carry forward the lessons and love imparted by my great-grandmothers and great-grandfather.

In navigating this challenging time, I will lean on the support of my loved ones and take the opportunity to celebrate Mami's life once again. While moving forward New Year Day may forever hold a mix of emotions, however, it can also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength found within family bonds. The memories of my great-grandmother bring comfort and warmth, while inspiring me to continue this journey, not only for myself but for her.

Hence, I update the dedication of this page and would like to honor all my great-grandparents...

Papa, Mama and Mami