This trip was very different in that it had nothing to do with working and although it is a family related trip no one is ill or needy. The trip I’m on now was a gift from my sister. She knew I couldn’t afford to get away and she wanted to see me and have some fun with me before we got any older so she made and paid for the airline bookings in advance and then surprised me.

At first I said “no way. It’s not fair for me to fly off and leave the man who works his butt off to support me behind. It’s expensive and I’ll never be able to pay you back because I can no longer work full time.” But my sis said: “You’re bushed and you need to get away. We aren’t getting any younger and we haven’t seen each other since dad died 5 years ago. ”

Well, I relented and I’m glad I did say “yes”. I needed to experience city life that I left behind years ago to really appreciate the country lifestyle I have been living. I also needed to be loved and treated like a princess to really appreciate how good it is to be loved and to let others take care of me.

For the last week I’ve kicked loose and had some fun. No responsibilities, no obligations and no one to take care of has been a real eye opener for me. I’ve been able to look inside myself in a way that I don’t when I’m functioning as half of a pair. I’ve listened to the young, wild thing that’s remarkably still deep inside of me and I’ve learned a lot about the desires of my secret heart that I have been suppressing. I’ll be going home with lots of memories of good times and laughter. And I’ll always be grateful that my sister gave me this opportunity.