Recently recorded an appearance on the Should Have Listened to My Mother podcast, which will be out in a few weeks. Until then, you can check out the show here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

During my appearance, I read the following, which is the closing of my second book, From Tibet to Egypt: Early Travels After a Late Start. The setting is December 2010:

The first time I tried out my present camera was at a botanical garden on my mom’s birthday a year after she was diagnosed with cancer. After retiring, she had become an avid gardener, and this seemed an ideal spot to spend the day. Unfortunately, she lost her six-year battle with cancer a few weeks before I left on this trip. Knowing my love of travel, she made me promise to go even though some thought I shouldn’t. She knew how much I’d always wanted to see Egypt and that I’d be spending the trip with my fiancée, who was still living in London at the time.

It was through my mom that I developed the travel bug. Her travels included the U.K., Mexico, Canada, and sailing on the RMS Queen Mary. Later in life, she traveled with my grandmother—they’d often schedule an annual cruise when not flying back to England to visit relatives. After my grandmother passed, she was even able to persuade my father to get a passport—not bad for a man who didn’t like flying. She always encouraged my travels and never questioned my sometimes off-the-beaten-path destinations.

I had hoped that this trip would be an escape, but I was only reminded that she would not be there when I got home to tell my stories to. And she’d never see any more of my photos. She was a kind spirit that showed incredible strength and bravery during her battle with cancer. She loved spending time with friends and family and always put others’ needs above her own. Yet, she was also strong-willed and independent. I could always leave it to my mom to tell it to me straight while still being encouraging. The world is a lesser place without her.

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