My 75-Year Road Trip • Memoir and Musings

Sometimes it's impossible to grasp that the person right in front of you is going to die, and that they will just... disappear. And when that does happen, in a way, you die, too. And who you were up to that moment, disappears. Have you ever had something happen so fast right in front of your eyes, that you can't believe what you saw, but you know that you did? That can be hard to grasp, too.

It's a good thing that we don't know our future... it comes soon enough.

In the '90s, Rotary International, a great world-wide service organization, went through a major shift. (Many would say at the time, "Shift happens," but I know a few people who said, "Shit happens.") In my small community, I played a part in Rotary during that shift, and once we all settled down and focused on the positives, it was a wonderful experience (but as always, I can only speak for myself).

Starting my home-based business was quite the venture, in so many ways. And over those 7 years, Balance was (one of) the keys to my success. Actually, today Balance still plays a part in my best days.

Moms are so important to us and to how we become the women we become. I was fortunate to have the mom I had and on this Mothers Day I'm publishing this story and have dedicated it to her.

That feeling of finding roots in a community, being settled in your life, is so grounding.

What a changed world we live in with technology and the internet. What a rebel to not have a smart phone! What have you noticed around you?

Early into my marriage I was asked a question that I'm sure many women are asked, and I (naively) answered it honestly. The reaction to my answer was more than confusing... it hurt. I've thought about that experience a lot and it's lead to a deeper acceptance of myself and my choices, and a knowing of what is right for me. But I'm not innocent or always kind either -- I too have flung hurtful words that have cost me friendships.

Being young, travelling on a new road with someone, full of vim and vigor, curiosity and a "why not" attitude, can lead us into some new adventures in some unique places. We would never have lived in northern BC if my husband hadn't worked for an employer that transferred its employees. And I'm so glad that we did... what a time that was in the '70s... way up north.

How did you meet your new (next?) partner? In Episode 2 "The Cab Driver" is a crazy, lovely story of how my mom and dad met. My story is more ordinary, but still with a few crazy parts. Maybe yours is, too. And I had a couple of road blocks to get through before I was able to shift into 3rd gear and be fully comfortable and confident about going on the road with this guy.