Travel Log. Day one
I’m taking a holiday and I’m excited about it and tentative at the same time – it’s my first trip alone to this particular place. It isn’t the drive that’s giving me pause, it’s nostalgia. The west coast of Vancouver island was one of our favorite places to visit, it holds a wealth of memories. The coast is magical – the sand, the surf, the wind and the wildness all speak to me. I feel at home there – we felt at home there.
Three of my favorite people are waiting for me in Ucluelet and I’m excited to see them. Two little girls are going to show me their surfing moves and their mother is going to pour me wine. We are going to have a good time – we always do. They are all missing the same guy I am. It won’t surprise me if we feel his essence everywhere.
This is going to be a year of firsts for all of us and none of them will be easy. We are going to carry on, we will push through the ache of remembrance. There will be tears, that’s a given, but there will also be laughter. We will imagine his footprints in the sand even as we make new ones. We will lean into a wind that has been blowing since the beginning of time and we will add our breath to its force. We will squint into the sun and scan a horizon that seems to go on forever. The waves will break upon the beach and cleanse the canvas for the new picture we are painting. We will bring our memories with us as we create new ones. We will carry on a tradition of reverence for the ocean and love for each other. We will bring him with us.
I want to take this trip, I need to take this trip. In this year of firsts I have to cross this one off the list. This particular first will be one of the easier ones – my daughter will hold my hand and my granddaughters will make me laugh – I am not alone, they are waiting for me. And I am on my way.
Comments (10)
Let the tears flow. Firsts are tough. But have lots of smiles and laughs, as well. XO
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Love, love this! Ox
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So, so proud of you!
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So heartfelt and beautifully written! Elva, I am in awe of your gift – your ability to reflect what you feel, think and understand so poignantly with your words. This blog is truly a comfort to me.
Thank you Kathy. Your comments are always heartfelt and SO appreciated. Xxoo
My comments must be repetitious, wowsa, holy cow, got me again…..
Your words are so touching they make my heart thump.
I truly love you! xx
I love you right back. 💕