Friday, May 25, 2012

A New Journey

The last time that I was in St. Martin, I swore that when I returned it would not be alone. I'd spent two years going there by myself in a tiny little studio just off Orient Bay. Lots of friends who live on the island, and many from around the world visiting, kept me company. Conner and Hania were my most constant companions. It became a place of healing and I came very close to just throwing everything in America away and moving there. But I didn't. A Carnival of Friends came together and fun at home took on a new intensity. And Sarah had returned to Savannah. Our relationship grew, love blossomed and today she is driving with me to Jacksonville where the vacation begins. Tomorrow we'll be in St. Martin. It has been a year since I was there, which strikes me as crazy. I traveled more during the past year than I ever have, crisscrossing the country several times, but I never made it back to the beloved island. I feel like a child on Christmas Eve. Conner's already called. Hugh has too. Verna wants to know if I want her to make me chicken wings. Carlos wants to go to Boo Boo Jams. And we're hooking up with our friends Dick and Jane for lunch on Monday. Denise and Marty are supposed to be there too. I wish the Carnival of Friends could go. It would be like ... adult day camp. What I'm looking forward to the most though is sharing a place and some people I love with everything in me with Sarah. The aqua blue of the Caribbean Sea, the cool of the Trade winds, the brightness of the stars at night and holding her hand as we stroll the beach to touch the rocks ... these are the things I anticipate. The place of healing is now a place of celebration. I've been through a lot in my life. Yesterday I was looking through boxes of things representing the things I've done. Plaques, awards, newspaper clippings, books, and gifts fill ten boxes in my Mother's garage. It's a past that holds little interest for me. I've gladly traded it all for now. Today's going to be great! And tomorrow! Well, it's gonna be even better.