Good-byes and gatherings

 

I have just returned from the always stunning Coffs Harbour. Just. As in I still have bags and clothes strewn across the house. Where they will stay until I can somehow gather the energy and will to tackle the job.

Unfortunately I was visiting for the worst possible reason, and whilst there farewelled an amazing soul that was taken by the vile, despicable, repugnant, disgusting disease, cancer.

My wonderful cousin had been in a smack down with the disease for over a decade and had been victorious so many times, so when the news was given that the disease was now untreatable, we all still kind of believed that he would, once again, body slam that fucker. But cancer got the final blow this time.

So we all said goodbye in the only way my cousin would have approved - with a huge, bang up party where everyone gorged themselves, shared stories, laughed like loons, wept and got really pissed.

And instead of wallowing in my grief I am trying to take inspiration from my cousins life and spirit, for he was a person to always say yes to life, to take chances and to always embrace life's pleasures.

 

 

And to treasure the important people who make life worth living.

So we all shared the pain, and tried to help those who suffered the most, and gave our love and respect to a truly heroic person.

It felt wrong to do fun things and enjoy ourselves whilst away but with my kids with me I didn't want the trip to be all doom and gloom so we tried to break up all the family gatherings with some beach exploration,

 

 

 

 

appreciation of the beautiful area,

 

 

 

and the local wild life that enjoyed breakfast on our little balcony.

 

 

 

 

So beautiful.

We all enjoyed the beach that my cousin so adored.

I hope that my cousin is catching some waves and having a beer wherever he is!