The outpouring of love and support from your family and friends as you bravely (and in your typical glamorous fashion)
journeyed through your final weeks is a testament to the type of person
you were and how very much you are loved. I am so much richer for having
known you, and am lucky enough to have had the chance to tell you how
you impacted my life. You were one of the most extraordinary people that I could ever hope to know. I am devastated at the thought of going to your funeral. I have no doubt it will be a joyous celebration of an amazing and extraordinary life, but it is too soon. It's just too soon. The world isn't quite as bright without you Pam.
A truly extraordinary woman, a mother and friend whose love knew no bounds, Pam, you taught me so much.
That a mother's love is a force to be reckoned with. That it is never too late to take a chance and change your path.
That when your heart is filled with love and joy and laughter, your life will be too. xoxo
The anxiety has lessened so much I can't quite believe it. The impromptu road trip seemed to work wonders on my driving anxiety (although certain roads must still be avoided). I was a little nervous about flying to Tasmania, so what better way to 'cure' me completely of my fear of flying than spending a day in an airport, hopping on and off planes but never actually going anywhere? We arrived at our destination over 12 hours after wheels up from our starting point. Particularly frustrating as a direct flight to Hobart would only take an hour and ten minutes... After a long day in an airport with two little ones, I had never been so keen to get on a plane and feel that familiar but once dreaded force of the plane leaving the tarmac. The delay was worth it of course, Hobart never disappoints. It was a real pleasure to explore the city on foot, and once again it felt like I was 'home'. Shed a happy tear here and there. Sunset and sunrise were spectacular. Why don't I live there again?
Our girls travel beautifully, but after three trips this year that involve flights (a stress in itself which requires us to be super organised) I am looking forward to being home for a while. This week we traveled to see the incredible musical production of The Lion King (our second time, first time for the little ones. The Bean was enthralled from start to finish, much more engaged thatn I had hoped) and suddenly car trips seem like a good thing to do! You don't have to carry every single little thing you may possibly need or think you need for an unknown time period of between one and fourteen hours, for a start...
*****
A beautiful baby boy made his dramatic entrance to the world, a longed for little brother for The Bean's bestie. Welcome little man, you are so loved xo
Sometimes all it takes is: a wrong turn and sheer stubbornness to lead you down a new, (lonely, foggy) road; a friend having their life turned upside down; and an event that inspires you to live large;
to make you: forget to remember that you are anxious; be truly grateful for, well, anything and everything...
and to take a giant, uncoordinated, leap out of your comfort zone.
*****
A wonderful, surprise trip to Tasmania is approaching - a long-ish weekend away with our girls, no itinerary, no hire car, 'forced' to explore my favourite city on foot...
I haven't freaked out when driving anywhere in the last few weeks. Surely that means I can get on a plane? Life is good!
Week 23 - This mobile has hovered above both of my babies. Their lives are passing in a blur. Made an appearance in week 23's eye candy Week 24 - What fun this was! Week 25 - A wrong turn resulted in a very long detour, but led me to this beautiful spot, almost completely hidden in the fog. Made an appearance in week 25's eye candy Week 26 - Shot through the car windscreen, this old bridge was an unexpected pleasure. Made an appearance in week 26's eye candy Week 27 - A 'Frozen' obsessed toddler was beside herself at visiting the snow (surprisingly close to home!)
Lulu Bean has all of a sudden realised that her big sister is someone to be adored. She wants to be wherever she is, doing whatever she's doing. What a gorgeous bond these girls have already. Makes my heart melt.