They say vitamin B helps with stress. I try to remember this when the size of my family and their demands become more and more of a reality.
I leave for England in 5 days and over the past two weeks we have had strep throat, one graduation with festivities and financing to follow, two broken air conditioners, a broken dish washer, head lice, and an unknown skin rash while having the lovely pleasure of mood swings and hot flashes through it all.
Over the last three years in between my previous travels abroad, I have had my share of much needed Calgon moments.
However in the midst of everything, I managed to find a temporary oasis while attending our neighborhood pool party. The sun was shining, the water was cool and I was free with my thoughts of what was to come. The DJ played Songs like "Firework" by Katie Perry and "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz. As they filled the air, I was left feeling powerful and charged over the what was to be just a few days ahead. I had made my check list which included me finding my foreign outlet adapter, calling all my banks, visiting a Coinstar machine to unload 3 years worth of coins to fund my spending money, and a shopping trip to Forever 21 for a few of those $3 shirts they sell. Once again, reliving the fond preparation memories from my 2 previous experiences abroad.
I daydreamed of my first cup of tea with red phone booths in view out the window of my cafe. I even looked forward to my movie selection on the plane after take off. Moments where vitamin B would not be as necessary. However, the anticipation of all this began unexpectedly to fade.
There were bridges.
Two bridges to be exact. I knew exactly where they were and had crossed one of them before. A place where visions of calm waters, historical beauty amidst the skyline and where a dream came true for me had become gruesome blood bath in an instant. I can spare the details of how bad it must have been as I do not want to visit that place in my mind. My home away from home was attacked 9 days before I would return. I was angry.
The unthinkable notion that I would not board a plane nine days later began to lurk. Then again, was a decision even necessary. What where the chances? Though time would pass and the news story would no longer be trending, there was much to consider-my daughter, our safety, the concern of my family members and waning interest on my part caused by senseless fear. But still, I made a decision anyway.
On June the 12, 2017 at 8:20PM, I will get on a plane. I will go to England. I will cash in my coins, drink a little wine, and quickly sleep off the jet lag. I will continue to dream. My daughter and I will bond and I know we will be safe. I made a promise to her as well as to myself. Three years is long enough.
March 22rd, 2017: Westminster Bridge
June 3rd, 2017: London Bridge
Both locations will be remembered for being attacked by acts of terrorism on two separate occasions but London will endure and will always be a part of me.
