WP Asks: When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why
When I was in Junior High school ( I was around 13 years old ) I told my Dad- and my then best friend that I wanted to go to Scotland.
In order to fund this trip I got a crappy paper route ( most of my customers stiffed me the three dollar bill they had to pay for per month ) and I started to babysit again.
My Dad told me that it was going to cost a lot of money- and that there was no way I could raise it in three years at the rate I was going. Maybe I should use that money for something else- a bike maybe.
When I shared my idea with my then best friend she said it was great I wanted to go, but gee. Maybe I should think about a trip to Disneyland instead she said.
Well, guess what.
Three years later my Dad went to Scotland and five years later my then best friend went to Scotland and England.
They didn’t even send me a postcard from their travels.
Years later when my former best friend and my Dad and I got together they would swap travel notes in front of me,what I’ll never forget is the condescending little smile they passed to each other.
I supposed they earned bragging rights- they both had a dream and chased it down and made it happen.
In that regard, they were successful beyond my wildest dreams.
Photo By Pumpkin Empress-AI
I love Scotland and my late husband was Scottish, so even though we lived in England we had some good holidays there. However he always wanted to go to the USA! You would think we would finally have made it when my son was posted there for three years, but Covid and his illness put a stop to any plans! The world is a big place with lots to appreciate wherever you go. But I do feel sorry your father and friend gloated about their visit.
Had they not done that, I would have actually been happy for them. My Great Grandmother’s family were from Scotland- they emmigrated to Canada and she came down here when she married my Great Granfather whose family had emmigrated from England to Canada. I’ve heard so many stories about both places that I swear, I can see it in my head!
I have relatives in Canada that I don’t know as it was a long time ago, hurrah for Ancestry DNA! All that English and Scottish blood, no wonder you wanted to visit.
Did you eventually go to Scotland?
No. But I’ve done other things like writing and traveling here in the States and Canada, so I am happy with that. Sometimes those hard knocks either inspire us or beat us down. I think it made me tough enough to do a lot of things that required I rely on myself and that’s ok.
You found yourself through the tough times and that is the best thing we can do for ourselves. You found new dreams and moved on. That’s very brave and wise. I’m happy for you. 🙂
You are very kind, thank you 🙂
Just to clarify since we don’t know each other I asked you the question because I was sort of mad at both of them for you! But it seems you have let go so I’ll do the same too. I cannot stand people behaving rudely or with condescension (Damn. Is that even a word? Haha) But I guess sometimes you have to keep your peace because there are better things in life! 😃I’m glad you got to travel and explore in life. Wishing you all the best. ❤️
I didn’t mind answering your question, the piece invited a conversation so it’s okay.