Farewell, Victoria

I have really struggled to compose this post.   Having no frame of reference for the events of the past 21 days, there is nothing I can compare them to.   I think it would be presumptuous of me to offer insights or inspirations gleaned from this challenging experience, although I hasten to say that my time here has been rich beyond comparison.  Every journey is different.   I have been from the depths of the beautiful sunken gardens to the top of Mount Maxwell.  I've stolen flowers, done Fragoli shots in the cemetery with my dear mom on Mother's Day, burned food and set off the smoke alarm more than once, overshopped, overeaten, underslept,  discovered friends, got lost a thousand times, missed my husband, friends and job too many times to count.  I have had the absolute privilege of spending these golden days with my daughter, an incomparable young woman.  If I ever grow up, I want to be just like her.   No words can express my gratitude, for her cheerfulness, humor, and stalwart support.  I have seen myself through her eyes, and I have witnessed love defeat worry, and that is courage, real courage.

Tomorrow at 0830 I will complete the Last of the Blasts, climb into the car and head north, none the worse for the wear.  Old Lefty has a slightly boiled appearance, but nothing that won't fix itself over the next few months.  To my cherished family and friends who have been with me throughout it all, my gratitude is inexpressible.  The blog comments, emails, flowers, treats, cards, phone calls, and surprise visits made me feel more invincible than Superwoman.

The Cathologue is going to take a little break for a few days, and then I promise I'll be back.  I need some serious snuggle time with my sweetheart, and to settle back into my home and delight in the richness of my blessings.

Hey Honey- you know that bottle of Mumm's we've been saving for a special occasion?   I think it's time you put it on ice.

Much love to you all.