Returning to the road…

Those of you who have tagged along for the Sagittarius Travels ride so far will be aware that there has been a long period of inactivity on my blog. This is about to change…

You never quite know what life has in store. Just under two years ago, my healthy, happy best friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Mary was the kind of person who you’d never expect to become seriously ill. She was the essence of life itself; a positive, gentle and loving soul who took good care of herself. This hammer blow was quickly followed by the news that the cancer had already spread and was very advanced.

I was privileged to spend 18 of the most special, but most difficult months of my life with Mary on this very different kind of journey. Whilst I was her carer, I spent most of this time feeling cared for by Mary. She remained so positive through months of chemotherapy, a huge operation and brief period of the disease lying dormant. However, last October the disease became so aggressive that the options dwindled. Mary’s thoughts turned to the loved ones in her life. Her care and concern for those around her was unwavering and full of strength. We shared many special words during the last six weeks of her life. But one conversation in particular stood out. She understood my passion for travel and discovery, so urged me to get back on my travels as soon as I felt able. Our sweet, beautiful Mary died just two weeks after this conversation.

Four months on and I’ve made a start – I’m back on my travels and doing my very best to honour the wishes of this beautiful person who brought so much joy into my life over the past 20 something years. Sagittarius Travels is back taking flight and spreading those wings. But with a difference. There’s an extra gentle breath of wind at my back as I go. A little piece of my wonderful friend is always with me…