Tanja and her husband had planned a trip to Australia, but unfortunately time was not on their side and he passed before it became a reality. She kept their plans and arrived to OZ on her own to celebrate her 40th birthday along with friends who would soon be joining. I would later learn that many of her travels, races, and the like, are in memory of the relationship she once shared. Promises made by two people in love and meant to become memories. Life doesn't always play out the way we plan though, and her story is another sad reminder. Our story however begins as two complete strangers at a bar.
Three stools separated us when our conversation at the bar began, but by the end we were sitting next to one another and we were the life of the party. She shared her stories of love and I told her mine. Several times I had to stop myself from crying. On more than one occasion the tears just came. Our conversation reminded me exactly how lucky I am to have Chris in my life, and I wondered how she stayed so strong. Just before the night ended and we were about to part ways, Tanja mentioned a bus tour that she was going on and she asked me to join. Naturally, my first thought was to say "No", but this time I agreed. I sent Chris a text asking him what he thought of the idea and before I could finish my next text he was online trying to make my arrangements. The bus was to pick us up at 7:30am and the trip ended at 9pm. I really didn't know if I could make a trip that long, but I did and it was worth every second!
Tanja and I met at the cafe for brekkie before the trip. The bus arrived and we were ready for whatever the day had in store. I have no doubt that we annoyed nearly everyone on that bus for the first few hours! We both happen to be "morning people", and it is safe to say that we were the only ones on the bus. By mid-trip people started warming up to us, and before long we had met almost everyone on the bus. There were people from all around the world and between us we met them all. Twelve hours passed by quickly, and I could fill pages and pages telling the day's story. Instead of rambling, I prepared another video (below). Our night ended much the same we originally met, over a drink in the bar.
Life is a wonderful thing and sometimes I forget just how short it is and how important the people are with whom it is shared. Our time on this planet is finite, as is the time that we have to spend with those that we love. My lesson this time around was another lesson about the power of love and what it creates. A lesson which I will never forget. Isn't life amazing?
Safe travels to Tanja!
Check out our video HERE.
So beautiful. I am so glad you went. This was one of our most memorable weekends. I love the Koala's.
ReplyDeleteWhen Chris comes to visit you should go spend the weekend at Philip Island and see the Ferry Penguins and Koala's.