“They say” there’s no such thing as a geographical cure. “They say” that everywhere you go, there you are. “They say,” only time can heal. And of course, “they” are always right.
Back in January, when my friend Miriam asked if I’d like to go with her to visit her son and daughter-in-law who are teaching in Seoul, Korea, we had no idea that Rick would pass on in early April. At the time, he was absolutely adamant that I take advantage of this opportunity to see not only Korea, but Japan and China as well.
“I’ll be right here when you get back,” he insisted. “You go. Have fun. Take lots of pictures. And in July you can share your whole adventure with me.”
When I protested, telling him I didn’t want to be that far away if he needed me, and I couldn’t imagine traveling without my Big Cuddle Bear, he pressed further. “I lived in Japan for 13 months while I was in the military,” he said. “I’ve seen Japan; you haven’t.”
Rather reluctantly, I gutted my “medical co-pay deductible” bank account, wrote out a check to cover the initial expenses, and Miriam’s son, Don, started making airline reservations.
After Rick died, I thought long and hard about backing out. I had travel insurance, but “not going” was not going to bring Rick back, and I doubted I would ever have another opportunity like this one.
And so I went—for a week in Korea, a week in Japan, nearly another week in Korea, and a final week in China—to total up to one amazing 30-day adventure.
I kept copious daily notes, and on July 9th, I’ll begin my Asian Adventure Series, complete with selected photos I’ll glean from the 1489 snapshots I took.
And yes, I’m glad I went, and eternally grateful to the people who made it happen—Rick included—from my cat-sitter Patty to my long-time friend Miriam and her most generous son Don and daughter-in-law Chris.
It was a fabulous, yet bittersweet time I will always treasure.