I'm really not sure when I fell in love with Paris. I could take the easy way out and say it was from watching classic MGM musicals or the obscure Judy Garland animated movie Gay- Purr-ee, but that might just be a little too gay. Even for me. Whatever the reason, the city has always been my favorite of all the places I have seen. Taking my mom there in 2010 was without a doubt, the highlight of my relationship with her. Now, 15 years later, I am returning to that city for a reason that no one could have ever predicted. No - One.

When I met John, our conversation was so easy, and although I can't remember all of the topics, I am certain that Paris was part of the tales we shared that day. He had gone with his mother a few years earlier and I'm sure that common denominator was just one of the many things we enjoyed about each other that day. The week I spent in Paris with my mom was more magical than I could ever explain, and I am so grateful that I documented our travels in my blog. Every night, I recapped the day's events - interjecting her exact dialogue whenever I could. When we returned home, I gave her the blog in book format - a tradition I carried on with our trips to Italy and England. The volumes are some of my most precious keepsakes. Whenever I miss her - which is more and more these days - I take out a book and relive my travels with Rosemarie.

So, without any doubt, after the infamous "when are we getting married" proposal, the only location for a honeymooon was Paris.  It's hard to explain how my mom lighted up as walked along The Seine - she was in awe and I can still hear the sound of her voice and how tightly she gripped my arm as we strolled towards the Eiffel Tower. We stayed at the Hotel Beaubourg and I am beyond excited to return to that hotel with  John (this time in a jr suite with a balcony!). It's bittersweet that our mothers are both gone and we're returning to a city they loved as much as the both of us, yet what's comforting is that I now wear my mom's rings on my right hand - her engagement ring and one that my brother and I gave her one Christmas are always with me. With my wedding band on my left and her rings on my right, it's a wonderful full circle moment that I will cherish.

To all of those who helped contribute to this trip, we can't thank you enough. And, like before, I will do my best, in less than three weeks, to capture the day's events so everyone can share a bit of this amazing ride with us.