I had several moments where I felt pretty emotional about the whole thing. Taking off from Toronto I became overwhelmed with emotion and teared up a bit. After months of hell I was so happy to be going on vacation! Lots of moments on the beach and floating in the ocean that I reflected on all I have gone through and how happy I was to be there. This particular beach in Jamaica is one I often think of during meditations. When I had to do that claustrophobic MRI last summer, thinking of floating in that ocean, off that beach, got me through that difficult experience.
I wanted to make the most of it all and we did a couple of special things that really made the vacation even more exciting, including a sunset cruise and a private dinner on the beach.
The sunset cruise was beautiful and also a bit nerve-wracking! we went out on this speed boat with a driver and a host, and I am sure they know what they are doing but they took us quite far down the shoreline, and at high speeds for parts of it. We really had to hang on! Jeff and I were both nervous but eventually relaxed. I kept thinking, I beat cancer, don't be afraid of a speed boat ride! lol
The private dinner was very cool, we were the only ones on the "sunset beach" which is actually the au natural beach during the day lol.
I also tried the hydrobike for the first time, which is like a floating bike on the water that you can tour around on, it was so much fun! My heart was so happy, and I am proud I tried something new, that turned out to be a real highlight for me.
Jeff and I got a couples hot stone massage, in one of the huts overlooking the ocean. It was incredible.
On the way to the resort, we met a group of people from Norway who became our friends for the trip. They travelled 36 hours to be there, and were staying 3 weeks. They took many photos of Jeff and I which I found hilarious! We exchanged emails so we can share photos. One of the women reminded Jeff and I of his Ama, a younger version. The best night we had was the beach party where we just drank wine and talked, and at the end she kissed me on the cheek, said she was too old and had to go to bed. When we said our goodbyes, they said we helped to really make their trip enjoyable, and I am touched by that. We met up with a few other younger couples as well, and spent time with them in the beach bar and balloon bar. It was fun to spend time not thinking or talking about cancer! Although we did speak about it briefly with one couple on our last night. The woman, also named Jen, talked about the history of different cancers in her family, including breast cancer, and we talked about maybe getting tested for the BRCA1 gene.
It was hard to leave on our last day. I had such a wonderful time, and part of me was so sad to come home. Given everything I have been through, and the uncertainties of the future, I wonder if/when I will get back there again. I truly hope it is soon. Maybe for my 40th birthday? I can't think of a better place to spend that milestone.
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