“Life is short and the world
is wide”
 |
| Caroline Florida 2007 |
The bus taking me along the
road of life is approaching another fork.
The journey over the past 4 years has been the worst imaginable and I
still can’t take in the enormity of what has happened. What has happened in the 4 to 5 years were
never in Caroline and my plans. The ones
that we had roughly mapped for our lives "once the kids have grown up and
can sort themselves out". In fact
2011 was going to be our biggest year ever: Caroline was off the Las Vegas to celebrate
Karen’s, her sister, big four zero; later that year we were then off on a
breath taking Mediterranean cruise starting in Venice to celebrate our 25th
wedding anniversary; we were also about to book a family holiday to drive across
USA along the infamous Route 66. This was just the start!
 |
| Matt, Georgina and Joe in Universal Studio |
Then bang. Everything was cancelled.
Insurance claims made. Plans were torn
up and thrown out of the window. Caroline and I hoped for the miracle cure.
Visits to hospitals and doctors were all that we had to look forward to. During a period of respite the family
miraculously managed to getaway to Mexico to be part of Carl and Emmalouise's
wedding party. We loved it and so many beautiful memories. Then the respite ended and we were then in
the hands of time and Caroline’s own determination.
 |
| Georgina and Caroline Gran Canaria |
You know the rest
Now here I am. Three years later. I’m still standing, breathing and living. A great deal has happened. I have moved house, the kids have both been fantastic
and Caroline would be really proud of them, working is fulfilling etc. I’m doing alright although I wouldn’t have
chosen to be here by this route. So what is next? Which fork should I take?
Travelling springs to
mind. It’s the thing Caroline and I always
enjoyed. We had so many great holidays
and adventures. When I reflect on the
great times we had holiday
adventures always seem to be among the stand out
moments. I will never forget celebrating
my 40thon the same day as being Neil’s best man in the Grand
Canyon. Nor will I never forget the
Vodka Revolution Bar in Vegas. Then there’s the time when Richard got trampled
on by a horse at the festival in St Luis, Menorca. Oh not to forget taking the kids to Disneyland,
Orlando. The list could go on and on
with every trip having a story to tell. These
are the moments that always bring a smile to my face. In fact whenever you talk to anyone about
their travels their eyes light up and they become very animated. People can’t
help themselves talking about the holidays they've been on, the ones they're
about to go on. The excitement of getting up in the early hours right through
to arriving at the resort through the quality of the food, how hot it was
(always 10 degrees hotter than what it actually was) and then journey home.
Burger King in the airport was always part of travelling home ritual for the Watson
holiday.
 |
| Holiday with kids mates in Spain |
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| 40th Birthday in Grand Canyon 2004 |
Then you got the real
adventurists. Trekking across the Andes, climbing Kilimanjaro, sailing the seas,
skiers, people who want to bungee jump.
These people have something wrong with them! Even so it’s all just so exciting and who
knows I might join them.
Looking out to the future I
just need more of this kind of excitement.
I have had recent great excursions to Australia to see the British Lions
and more recently to Turkey. I have
been lucky to have had some good friends who have welcomed me on holiday with
them. Rich and Cher have always welcomed me with open arms. Ricey was a great
companion in Australia with which I will always be grateful. My brothers have invited me on holiday with
them.
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| Vodka Revolution, Las Vegas 2006 |
I now need to do more of
this. It's taken me a long time to get
my head straight, well as straight, as it ever will be, I have been feeling
unsettled for a couple of months. Being 50 was fun! Being 51 is real. Time to get on with it.
Visiting Cuba springs to
mind. I want to see Cuba in its natural
and historical beauty before Starbucks and KFC set up camp now that the US have
restored ties. Also on my list is South
Africa, then there’s the Far East. The
list goes on and on. One thing for sure
is the list will never be exhausted. I
might me.
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| Barcelona with Cher and Rich |
The current episode of my life
is nearing an end. The feeling of guilt,
the feeling to justify my actions to make myself feel better, inward looking
and always wondering what was going to happen.
In the past three years I have grown in strength, in confidence and
stature. The next chapter needs to be
written. Goodness knows what it will look
like and who will be playing leading role but the bus will be rumbling on. Willing travel companions apply within.
“Life begins at the end of
your comfort zone”
 |
| Mexico 2011 |
This is the penultimate page
of “Without A Paddle”. The blog has been
tremendously good therapy allowing me to express my inner feelings. The response and encouragement I have
received through it has just been amazing.
The blog is nearing the end of its shelf life. There will be one more piece which fittingly
will be on the July 14th: the 3rd Anniversary of Caroline’s passing.
.
