A year ago, I said goodbye to my mom. Grief has a way of reshaping everything; your days, your memories, even the way you see the world. My mom always dreamed of coming back to Greece. She visited once and spoke of it often, but her anxiety kept her from returning. Now, a year after losing her, I find myself walking the same beaches she longed for, hearing the waves she once described, and carrying both her memory and my grief with me. This trip is not just about exploring a beautiful country; it’s about learning how grief and healing can live side by side.
My Mother’s Dream of Greece
My mother loved to travel when she was younger. She spoke of Greece often; the food, the beaches, the people. She even hitchhiked around the country, brave, adventurous, and curious.
But as time passed, she developed severe anxiety that began to hold her back, especially from traveling. A couple of times, she pushed through it for important moments such as my wedding, and when my son was born, but her dream of returning to Greece always stayed just out of reach.
One of her last meals before she passed was a Greek dish, requested by her and made by my best friend. As she ate the souvlaki, she seemed to have a moment of relief from the cancer. The sun shone on her face, and for that moment, she was back in Greece.
Living Her Dream Through My Journey
Now, as I sit here looking out at the ocean, I feel her with me. I imagine her enjoying the beach, the coffee, the food. I feel her presence, smiling, knowing that I get to experience the beauty of Greece for the both of us.
This morning, I watched the sunrise and thought about how lucky I am to be here. Though I am traveling alone, I don’t feel alone. My mother is here in the little moments; woven into the colours of the sky, the taste of the food, the rhythm of the waves.
What Greece Has Taught Me About Grief
Part of the strange beauty of grief is that it gave me the push I needed to come here. Grief can be heavy, yes, but it can also remind us that life is precious, that dreams shouldn’t be left waiting.
I’ve learned that grief and joy can exist together. I can miss my mom deeply and still feel immense gratitude for the chance to experience what she once dreamed of. Grief is not linear; it comes in waves, just like the sea I sit beside, but within it, there are moments of peace, connection, and even wonder.
Honouring Her Memory Moving Forward
Being in Greece has shown me that I carry my mom with me everywhere I go. She’s part of the sunrise, part of the laughter I hear in cafés, part of the courage it took to make this trip. Moving forward, I want to continue finding ways to honour her memory; not only through travel, but through living bravely and curiously, just as she once did.
Conclusion: Greece, Grief, and Gratitude
This trip has been a way of keeping my mom’s story alive while writing my own. Grief may have brought me here, but love has carried me through. And for that, I am grateful.
You Don’t Have to Walk Through Grief Alone
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it on your own. Talking with a caring therapist can provide space to process your loss, find healing, and feel supported along the way.
At True Living Counselling & Coaching in Okotoks, Alberta, we offer compassionate grief counselling, therapy for loss, and bereavement support; in person or online throughout Alberta.
If you’re navigating the pain of losing a loved one, we’re here for you. Reach out today to book a consultation with one of our therapists and take the next step in your healing journey.
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