Reminiscing

As this trip is now just a wonderful collection of memories, I feel compelled to write some kind of 'wrap-up'.

The trip itself was an emotional 'wrap up' for me.  I took it six months after my father passed away, eight months after my ex husband died, fourteen months after my divorce was final, and a year after retiring from a wonderful 37-year teaching career.

To me it represented many things: closure on grief, relief from a strained financial existence, the end of a period of relationship limbo, and a statement of independence, individuality and a new beginning.  This trip was a delightful as I could have ever imagined it would be.  Each phase of the trip brought its own excitement and beauty.  The people with whom I traveled and stayed were excellent hosts and companions.  It was all so unbelievably enjoyable.  Am I spoiled for future trips?  What variations can I make on this and still capture the same excitement and joy?  I don't know but my appetite has been whetted and I am hard-pressed to stay at home now.  At least one future trip is already close to being set.

Thank you to everyone in the Shumaker clan, Beth, Sylvie, Claude, Pauline, David, Pam and Brian for being who you are, for being excellent companions and hosts, and for sharing your experiences and homes with me.  I have been irreversibly changed and am ever so grateful for the gift of your presence in this experience, let alone in my life altogether.  I have been richly blessed by you all.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!