Been home for 5 days and recovered from jet lag. The flight from Singapore was three quarters empty so had the luxury of 3 seats to spread out on. Went straight to treatment the morning I arrived home, thanks to Jamo, a friend who ferried me from Tullamarine to Western General in Footscray. Holidays were wonderful. It's a different experience travelling alone compared to family hols and gave me time to sit with Dad for gentle times. I have been keen to ensure that I minimise regrets. One regret I didn't want was to get too sick to travel and then wish I had gone sooner to the UK. I possibly didn't need the anxiety of working in and around Dad's illness, but it left me satisfied knowing he has a support network and loving family around him. Dad and I were able to chat intimately about past times and future hopes. On my last day in the UK we visited his wife's (of 40 years) gravesite. It was quite moving watching this proud 82 year old man, flat cap in hand, resting on a cane, weeping gently and reflecting warmly on his relationship with her. Dad remarried after Mum and he separated in 1959.
Visits to world heritage sites, 900 year old monasteries and the northern England moors were amazing as were the five days in Barcelona experiencing Spanish culture and seeing something of Gaudi's genius. I left for Australia with mixed feelings, knowing it will probably be the last time I see my UK based family, but we were all emboldened and reassured that whatever happens in the future, the ongoing memories of our time together will sustain and comfort us all. Memories of people and experiences fade into the mists of time, but can be retrieved and relived. I feel all the better for my time with these special people. I am struggling to upload some photos to the blog, will do so soon with help from my 13 year old daughter Marli!!
Blessings to you all