Kangaroo Island was special to Mark. In 2000/2001, he circumnavigated the island with two others. He often made the return crossing of Backstairs Straits with his good friend Paul Beltrame; the last time being a couple of months before his diagnosis with leukemia. We never went there together - it had been earmarked as the destination for a honeymoon when everything was sorted. That time never came - he was too ill when we married. So I went there last week, in the approach to the first anniversary of his death (21 January) - and discovered for myself a place of spirit, another liminal space. Looking at the coastline, it was hard to believe that Mark and his companions had kayaked these waters over even a short distance - I was told of 100 foot waves (and I do remember Mark's throw away remarks about it being 'a bit difficult' (!)) and the scope of the circumnavigation was so indicative of the nature of the man I was privileged to know and love. Will simply upload a few photos and allow them to speak for themselves.
As the 21st approaches, I am struggling. The death of the father of a friend this week, hospitalised with leukemia at the same time as Mark, has been a bitter-sweet revisiting of this time last year. The sacraments of healing and eucharist were almost identical with the experience that was shared immediately before Mark's death. Peter didn't die immediately afterwards - he lived another two days in a stubborn refusal to die before his daughter asked him to let go, where Mark had almost chosen his moment and I would have asked him to stay. The experience of the past few days have been very hard but graced; one which has helped me understand. The funeral is on Wednesday, Mark's anniversary. I am struggling - definitely struggling - but I keep coming back to an awareness that this is a time of transformation. I just wish it wasn't so hard.
Meanwhile - have joined the Friends of the Heysen Trail and have talked with a couple of WWOOF hosts on Kangaroo Island. Oh - and school starts this week. ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH
Peace be within you
Marie and Ted
Perth