Miss You Uncle Tom

Today was probably the hardest day since I’ve been here. Those of you at home know how difficult today is and how much I wish I could have been at home with Nonna and the rest of the family. It’s been 5 years since Uncle Tom died and the memory of him is still very present in my life, especially being here in Australia. I cannot believe it’s been 5 years – it feels like just yesterday he was off on a wild adventure in Brazil, then coming back home with a hundred interesting stories about things he had done, people he had met, and further plans for a future trip. I’m here in Australia in part because of him and his love of traveling. While I may be a little less adventurous than him, I still gained the courage to travel and break out of my comfort zone from my Uncle Tom. He experienced things in his lifetime that some people only dream of. I remember missing him when he was away for months at a time and anxiously awaiting to hear his stories and see pictures, or perhaps learn a bit more Portuguese. He was a traveler at heart and followed that love to places far away. The decision to come here and leave everything behind for several months was definitely difficult; some even doubted that I would follow through. However, I knew this was a once in a lifetime experience that I just could not pass up. I only wish Tom could be here because I know he would be so proud of me and my adventures in Australia. I am determined to make the most of my time here and learn all I can over the next 5 months and I know this is what Tom tell me to do. I still miss him very much as I know we all do and it’s sad to think about him not being here anymore, but I am keeping his spirit with me while I’m here, to guide me and inspire me to do all that I can and make the most of my time here. I thank him for giving me the courage to come here and have this experience.