Along Comes Tanja

Today started out kinda blah actually.  This roller coaster ride rivals those that are renowned worldwide.  The main difference being that this ride doesn't stop- until the end.  Most of the day was spent in my room, but that damn blond made me promise that I would get out and do something at some point today.  Truth be known, I tried to get out but the weather was crappy.  I walked about a mile down the road to grab lunch and then realized that I had forgotten my wallet.  Back to the room I went.  Cabin fever started to set in around 4pm so I went down to the bar.  From that point forward everything changed.

At first, I was the only one at the bar, but then she walked in and sat a few stools away.  The bartender mentioned that she was from the states, and somehow a conversation began.  I say that I started it and she says that she did, but no matter who uttered the first word, I am glad that it was spoken.  Her name is Tanja and her story was one of love and sadness.  Everybody knows that I am diehard romantic, and her story reminded me of my favorite movie and a bit of my mother.  

Tanja is from Cologne, Germany but lives in San Jose, California now.  She is a great looking gal who just radiates with energy.  This gal has run several marathons, participated in the ironman, completed in a triathlon, and travelled on a global scale.  Her last run was a fifty mile race!  I admire her strength.  Not only her physical strength but also her emotional strength.  Tanja recently lost her husband to cancer, which came out of nowhere and claimed his life quickly.  They were clearly soul mates and he was so young when death came knocking.  It reminded me of my mother and what she went through.  Something about women, they are so resilient and emotionally stronger than men.  Anyway, Tanja was by his side until the end.  She shared photos and memories with me and I felt as though I was present as each story unfolded.  Pictures of them both prior to his diagnosis, during his struggle, and when she spread his ashes at their favorite spot in Aspen.  One photo showed them in his hospital room.  He in his bed and she in the chair beside him.  Both were asleep yet still connected to one another by one finger's grip each.  Her mother snapped the photo.  Their story is one of true love cut short- way too short.   A sad story on the surface, but also one of strength and hope.  Don't get me wrong, Tanja isn't the type that looks for pity of any sort.  She is a strong woman and she lives her life to the fullest.  Precisely why she is in Australia.

More on Tanja and our adventure tomorrow...