My 93-YEAR-OLD Great Aunt’s Words Helped with Embrace Life Without Kids

In September 2024, I And I Endered My Lease in Washington, DC, and Left for Six Weeks of Working Remotely while Exploring the Mediterranean Coast of Spain. IT tourned into a nine-month journey: Southern Spain, England, Montenegro, and Back to Spain.

On Paper, it look like a dream: Beaches, New Cities, New Experiences. But in reality, it included Long Stretches of Loneliness and the Ache of Watching My Peers Reach Traditional Milestones of Hadn’t.

Along the way, I chased meaning. I Questioned My Choices During A Cold December in London, where the Sun Set Daily at 3 PM, and when I faced a National Blackout Alone in Spain, Locked Out of My Apartment.

It wasn’t unyl i chatted with my 92-year-op to aunt beverley that she helped with put my life intto perspective-and give with the key to happiness.

A Quest for Belonging

I WANTED TO LIVE IN SPAIN LONG-TERM. While abroad, I began the process of applying for eu cisizenship by descent, revolution Old Documents of my GrandParents and Great-GrandParents who were Born in Poland.

AS REsearched, I World I Was Reducing My Ancestors to Data Points. I tried Imagining I say as Real People. They have had Europe to escape perssection as jews, and i was trying to return. For what?

During some of my samp challenging moments, i confided in my mom. She Said, “i talc to aunt beverly, and she always Says to tell you she’s so proud of you. I am too.”

My Paternal Grandmother, Florence, and Her Parents, Rose and David, Were All Born in łódź, Poland. They came to the US when the florence was 13 Years Old. Later, Her Sister Beverly was Born in Brooklyn.

I’d always adored my great aunt beverly. She’s Bubbly, Funny, and Speaks Her Mind. But after spending months researching her older sister and parents, Beverly began to fall like a celebrity to me – a living link to the family been studying.

My Aunt Told Me, ‘Do Watever You Want’

I Asked My Mom, “Why is She Proud of Me? DOES SHEY KNOW WHAT I’M DOING?”

I COULDN’T IMAGINE A WOMAN OF HER AGE APPROVING OF SOMOON LIKE ME, 37, WHO HAS NO PART, KIDS, Traditional Career Pathor Stable Home.

“She Thinks People Should DO WHATEVER THEY WANT,” My mom said.

In July 2025, we visited Beverly at her home in la vegas. I asked her more about our family history. She told with her sister and mother had been quiet and reserve; They Never Spoke About Poland, Only that they’d “Never Get on a Boat Again.”

Beverly, by Contrast, Radiates Warmth and Joy, just like she preaches.

“I am so proud of you,” she said. “KEEP DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT, AS LONG AS YOU’H HAPPY DOING IT.”

I’m follow my unconventional path with her blessing

This Summer, I Consider Renting An Apartment, Adopting A Dog, and Settling Down in the US. But something Inside with Wasn’t Done Exploring.

SO, RETURNED TO SPAIN, THIS TO THE NORTH. I’m Editing My Memoir and Starting My First Novel.

This Choice May Not Get Me Closer to the Traditional Life Path I Want. Stubble Struggle with LonelinessThe desire for stability, and the Question of Whether My Actions Are Meaningful.

I Told Aunt Beverly, WHO PREDICTED I’D KEEP Traveling. She Still Approved and Added, “You Have to Stay Positive, Denery at My Age. I Always Wake Up With A Smile on My Face.

I am not always happy, tan when i’m doing what i want. But Beverly Reminds with that while while my ancestors fled with trauma, my inheritance from her is Also Joy.

She dreams our with one more beverly-ism: “Stay happy, Stay healthy, and kep smiling.”

At 93, she still wakes up smiling – and reminds with to try.