“Mom, Look at Me!”: A 20-Year-Old’s Heartfelt Letter to Her Mom About Her First Solo International Trip by Raquel Whiting

Travel Notes
5 years ago

“Mom, Look at Me!”: A 20-Year-Old’s Heartfelt Letter to Her Mom About Her First Solo International Trip

Dear Mom,

I’m about a month and a half into my 10 weeks abroad and look at me! So far so good. I’m interning and living on my own in Spain while also traveling around the country and even to another continent on weekends. This is not my first time traveling abroad without you and Dad, but it is my first time totally on my own without another family. This is all probably a little daunting for you (and it was for me at first too), but it is the learning opportunity of a lifetime and thanks to you, Mom, I am thriving. 

I may have limited space in my carry-on luggage, but I have plenty of room for everything that you taught me and for every tidbit that you knowingly or unknowingly hand me  whether it is a simple “have a great morning” text as I start my work day and you get ready for bed or a simple reassurance about some plan I have. Because of you (and Dad), I know how to carry myself in different situations and how to adapt and enjoy myself within a different culture and environment. 

Thank you for letting me go to a different country instead of spending the summer in the comfort of my own home with you. I may be across the globe, but you are always with me!

Love, Raquel

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Tribe
Beautiful, I’m crying! ❤️
Elisa Schmitz
OMG, Raquel Whiting , you touched my heart. Knowing your mom, Nicole DeAvilla , makes this all the more special to me. What a beautiful letter to share how you're doing and your appreciation. You are an amazing young woman and I know your parents are so proud of you. When my son was studying in Madrid last year, I was so worried about him and yet knew he would be OK (he had an incredible semester). As parents, we try to teach you everything we know and then watch you spread your wings and fly. You are soaring! Take good care and enjoy every moment of your adventure!!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love everything about this, Raquel Whiting ! This letter says so much about you, your parents, and your relationship. So special! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Nicole DeAvilla
I am speechless! As Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds says I am proud of you. I have been telling everyone how you manifested this opportunity for yourself. I know that you wanted to do this and you kept coming up against walls. But you kept going and were able to create the opportunity that you wanted. I am very happy for you. I love you! xo Mom
Terri Kendrick
This is priceless! Your parents obviously did a whole lot right. As Elisa said, make the most of every moment. This will be an experience you'll look back on the rest of your life!
Leslie W
Amazing and frightening all at once! I am not the hovering type mother and think the most important job as a parent is to make a kid independent and to be able to thrive without you. However, having only a 3,5 and 9 year old, I can't imagine letting my kid go to another country alone for a long time! I guess I have a few years to get there! Kudos to you, mom! You have about as much guts as she does!!!
Jessica Acree
What a wonderful perspective to share! Takes me back to that moment I told my mom that I was going to Madrid for a week alone, she was terrified but cautiously supportive (and maybe a little upset), but it will forever be one of the most incredible experiences in my budding adult life. Thank you for sharing! Your mom is certainly pretty awesome! Nicole DeAvilla :) You have a bright future ahead of you!
Nicole DeAvilla
Thanks Jessica Acree ! Glad you had your special time in Madrid. :)
Jessica Acree
Me too! Perhaps I should follow your daughter's lead and write some reflection tips on some of those past trips! Raquel Whiting
Nicole DeAvilla
Yes Jessica Acree Please do write some reflections on your travels!

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