Highland Park

The day started better than yesterday (I was somewhat moody yesterday as the tiredness had caught up with me), although tinged by an upcoming farewell and subsequent sadness I was expecting on saying goodbye to Ellis.

He took the car last night and was expectedly late on arrival to collect us (Ellis-time is a real thing) from the hotel to start our journey to the Gold Coast. 30 mins behind schedule (Wade had us checked out and was waiting in the rain for Ellis to arrive) and barefoot, we got on the road and started our short journey to Ellis’ house where we said goodbye. Wade was emotionally stronger than I, and after a very long hug, I got straight in the car and cried, a strange mix of feeling oh so proud of the life he had carved and my own selfish sadness of not knowing when we would see each other again.

A short trek into Queensland and we were arriving at Cheryl’s already. You know it’s a good friend when you are able to catch up after 10 years and it is like a moment hasn’t passed. 3 bottles of brut (my no drinking is not going well, it’s just surrounding me and tastes so good!) and several hours of catching up on 10 years takes time (8 hrs to be exact, Cheryl has gone to bed drunk at 7.30pm lol).

A very emotional reconnection with the benefit of a few years of wisdom enlightening our decision making of our past era. Life was different then, Cheryl was married to Harrison (who we see tomorrow) and our lives have evolved so much over the years. Her kids are similar in age to Brad and Olivia, but there was and continues to be an immense warmth emanating from her towards our family of 7 and a genuine love and understanding of our blended family (that few understood at the time) and the decisions that ensued. I felt part of me return when talking to Cheryl, no disrespect to the person I have become over the years, but my British sense of humour emerged unexpectedly and my little-understood sarcasm returned and was embraced with laughter I did not realize I missed. I love Cheryl and no doubt will feel the same way when I see Harrison tomorrow, they were our friends that first knew us as a family of 7 and embraced Olivia and I as part of Wade’s life as if there were no time before, they will always hold a very special space in my heart. Not to mention, they were in a position to lend us six thousand UK pounds that allowed us to transport our life’s belongings via container to Canada when we immigrated. Very special friends indeed.

It is only 7.40pm and we are heading to bed (Cheryl left a few mins ago) after Wade checks my update for appropriate content - he was worried my content may be a little Prosecco fuelled for the audience. I am emotional and will likely cry again shortly as I recall the special moments from this afternoon. It’s people, not places, that make your life.

Again, I am surprised by the overwhelming joy I am experiencing on this trip, it seems to be cementing my gratefulness for what the universe has determined I must experience.Read more