2015 was my year! I was turning 55, and in the last 5 years I'd nearly lost my right leg and acquired enough pins and plates to set off the metal detectors at the airport. I continued my acquisitions trend by gaining a tumour ( not malignant it turns out) , a thyroid problem, an enlarged heart with a nice little tear in it & an assortment of other health problems that decided to tag along for the ride. With my beloved partner beside me I faced every battle with an optimistic smile on my face.
But somewhere along the way I decided I'd had enough of just getting through til the next catastrophe. If I was destined to die young I would at least see my lifetime dream fulfilled - it was then I planned a 6 week whirlwind tour of Europe. Six weeks was all the time I could take off work, but I was going to cram as much as I could into that precious space of time- in case I never got a chance to go back.
Gordon had no desire to come.While I was devastated at this news ( he had been my rock and fortress through each health trial we'd faced) I was going anyway. It still brings a smile to my face remembering, after he realised I was deadly serious he said, "then you're not leaving me behind. "
That trip changed both our lives. A week or two in, Gordon turned to me and said "I'm so glad I came - this is wonderful".
It's now 2017 and all we can think about is going back -revisiting the places we fell in love with and discovering places we never had time for.
So I'm back to doing what I do best -planning and scheming! I'm not letting a wasted moment go by, I've been too sick for that. Now that I'm well on my way to recovery I'm planning our return.While New Zealand is our home we've left a huge chunk of ourselves in Europe.
2020 looks set for a lifestyle change!