Traveling is fun. Traveling can be stressful. Traveling can be tiring. Traveling with a companion, in this case my sister, can be an adventure.

September 18th Ginny and I left for Prague. After an uneventful flight (except the hard seats) I arrived in the eye candy city of Prague. Everywhere I looked there was something to see. We spent 3 nights in this beautiful city. Here is a quick synopsis of what we saw. Prague Old Town, Charles Bridge, Franz Kafka museum, The castle and the cathedral, stairs, cobblestones, The radio tower with the creeping black babies, Petrin Park, people playing marbles, and lots and lots of tourists from all over the world. And these were just a few of the highlights.

Since then I have boarded the Amadeus Brilliant River cruise ship and sailed on the Danube, visiting Bratislava, Vienna and now Budapest. I still have a week to go and am looking forward to the sights that I have yet to see.

I have decided that people are basically kind. Even when you don’t speak a common language when we have been lost and looking for help, the local people have quickly come to our aid. Not only do they help a little, at times they have gone out of their way to make sure that we were at least moderately comfortable with what we were doing or where we were going. This gives me a reminder that most people of any age are generally kind and compassionate. It also reminds me to do the same. This also allows me hope for the present and the future.

Humbleness is also part of this quotient. It is OK to ask for help and receive it kindly. And yes, men, it is OK to ask for directions. (lol)

Since Jim died I have received all kind of kindness and support. When something traumatic happens people often reach out. It is in my every day life that I will forget to continue to recognize those little moments of kindness and generosity from others. Traveling has reminded me to stay open to this small moments that may make or break my day.

Tonight we are in Vienna before heading to our next destination. I have decided to continue to absorb those moments with others and enjoy the warmth of the exchange.

NO PHOTOS…THEY WILL COME LATER….I AM UNABLE TO DOWNLOAD. DARN.

Many of you know that I have chosen to stay put, well mostly, this past spring and summer.

Grief is hard. We  know that, we have all experienced grief. Everyone grieves during the course of their life. It could be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, a move or the loss of a body part. No one is immune from this experience. It can consume a person or it can become a teacher. Grief just is. It is not fun and oh my it can be  such hard work.

The past 6 months have found me struggling with the whole issue of grief. Grief of the loss of Jim. Grief of being diagnosed with breast cancer. I decided that I wanted to address the issue of my grief head on. I wanted to do this because I felt that by getting through the hard edge of my grief, I could lead a fuller and happier life.  Maybe I will be able to figure  out what is next if grief steps to the side. With the help of professionals, I went to work. And you know, it seems to be working. I am beginning to find joy and hope in my day. My acupuncturist tells me I am 85% done.

Am I done with the grief process? No. I think I have a ways to go. Yet compared to where I was in March I have come a distance.  I still am learning to be patient with this process. I thought, after Jim’s death, that in a few months I would be “over it”.  Well this certainly did not happen.

My friends have been ever present and supportive as well. I am so glad that all the people in my life are there. I am glad for all the people I keep meeting. And everyone helps me to the best of their ability. I am finding I have reserves now to help support and love other people. I would not have those reserves without the example of all those who continue to reach out to me and choose to actively be involved with my life.

 “My Welcome Party”

My sister, Virginia and I are going on holiday together. On Tuesday I fly to New Jersey.

Thursday we fly to Prague. After three days in this beautiful and historic city we board a Danube River Cruise ship and cruise the Danube for a week. We finish the trip in Innsbruck. I am getting anticipation excitement. As this trip has been getting closer I have found myself feeling joyous and light. About a week ago I woke up one morning and the first thought I had was that this was my welcome party. Therefore the title. This trip represents a mark in my life and in my healing process.

amadeus brilliant

I am welcoming myself back into the world. Instead of grief being in front of me with every step I take I would like to put it at a more acceptable distance. I know that I still have work to do and there will be moments, yet I want to make space for joy and curiosity and happiness. I am welcoming myself back from a hard place I have been and just maybe now, I can make this journey a bit lighter and more welcoming.

Come along if you would like. I will be posting to this blog as I journey through these countries. Hopefully I will have some great photos and stories to share. I welcome you into my world and my journey.

My Gal, Elsie

Meanwhile, Elsie the cat will be hanging at home with her house sitter.