December in Vancouver

I went on my third trip in December of 2013. My mother and I went to spend Christmas with my aunt and her husband. It was a family trip to heal. My grandmother had lost her battle with cancer In October of 2012. No words could describe the heartbreak my family had to once more experience. We had lost the glue that held it all together and we were desperate to try to keep it all together without her.

I was extremely thankful for this holiday for my mother to spend time with her sister. They had lost both parents, three of their brothers, a nephew and my father. The courage, strength, faith and hope shown by these two women were what helped me to believe that I could carry on. Now I began to really appreciate the fun we had together from my first trip.

We visited of my favorite places, Stanley Park and I met a furry friend while there. A raccoon lazily appeared out of the bushes and was picking at scrap he found on the floor. He seemed so unbothered by all the people walking by. 

Most of the holiday was spent shopping and I loved every moment of it! I was in heaven with all the new clothes, shoes, accessories and even the new iPhone that I got! Some days we would be up to 10 hours in a mall just shopping and having an absolute ball. My Canadian uncle is truly an awesome guy to have be so patient with 3 ladies loose in a mall every other day and.

I always enjoy trying new food and one of my most loved memory from this trip was trying sushi. I loved it! My mother on the other hand almost puked. She preferred tempura instead. I enjoyed the pure green tea that we had too. The leaves were placed at the bottom of the cup and hot water was poured over it. 

We were lucky to experience snow for only one day while we were there. It was winter wonderland for my mother and I as we frolicked in the snow. 

Although this trip wasn't filled with much exploring, it was very much needed and consoling. I was able to forget all the troubles than life may have and I reminded myself of how much more there is out there to see and how important it is to live with arms wide open. I had the power to determine the outcome of my life and although I was again devastated inside, I can't let this define who I am. Just as there is night with the moon that rises, there will be a new day with the sun that will also rise brightening up the world with hope that things do turn around for better.