The invitation to join my daughter in Italy for her 21st birthday brought so much more than I ever imagined.

It brought the joy of checking things off my bucket list—like seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, attending mass at Notre Dame, or cruising down the Seine River at sunset, sipping champagne and sharing that magical moment with my precious girl.

It brought deep gratitude and appreciation for my husband, who couldn’t join us due to work but wholeheartedly supported the trip. He never questioned the cost—only encouraged me to embrace every experience, saying, “Do it all while you’re there.”

It brought memories etched forever in my heart—like sitting in a small Italian pub, with no air conditioning and no ice (yet no one minding), as my daughter’s new classmates sang “Happy Birthday” to her at midnight. One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was celebrating her actual 21st birthday. I joined her and eight new girlfriends for a delicious Italian dinner. The food and ambiance were incredible, but it was the laughter, conversation, and genuine connection among these young women—now bonded for life—that made the night unforgettable. That kind of joy is contagious.

It brought confidence as I traveled solo to London—navigating the Tube, visiting Borough Market, touring the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and attending Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A highlight? Treating myself to Hamilton in the West End. Incredible!

More than anything, this trip brought immense pride in my daughter. Watching her embrace this experience abroad, seeing her travel to new cities and countries every weekend, and hearing her excitement as she falls in love with the Italian culture has been deeply inspiring. She’s learning to navigate the world with open eyes, a brave spirit, and a love for exploration—and nothing makes me prouder.

Finally, it brought adventure. From train rides to Florence, navigating the metro, to letting her lead us through the streets of Paris—it was all an adventure. Watching her confidently guide us through cities and cultures new to both of us was a reminder of how resourceful and independent she has become.

This journey wasn’t just about seeing the world—it was about seeing HER world. And in doing so, I rediscovered parts of myself, too. I’ll carry these memories, this gratitude, and this growth with me forever.