There’s nothing too new in waving my parents off on holidays. (Dad calls it “spending the kids’ inheritance”.) Mum and Dad are no strangers to travel, be it the European vacation or sailing the high seas P&O style. A few years back they’d had to cancel a cruise—their twelfth, to the magnificent Milford Sound in New Zealand—when mum fell ill. But the plan always was to make #12.
My Dad is an old salty from way back. He loves his boats, even building one, christening it Steel-Aweigh; we had so much fun as kids in boats of all sizes. No doubt Dad was glued to the TV today to watch the Naval Fleet Review (while I navel gazed over a plot hole in book 3!)
This Monday, as the journey begins by plane from Coffs Harbour, Dad will get to taste that salty air one more time.
And I’m tasting salt right now.
Salt from my tears.
You see, Dad will be alone this time. Mum, who some of you will know passed away in March this year, just missing out on the release of House for all Seasons, will now only ever be with him in spirit (and in the picture frame he has packed in his suitcase!!).
Bon voyage Dad. Safe travels. See you soon. (No doubt with a million bloody out-of-frame, out-of-focus, a-novella-attached-to-each-one photographs that we can all look at over and over and over!) Oh, and I intend tracking him on the P&O Sea Princess Cruise Cam incase he decides to do a I’M KING OF THE WOOOOOOOOOOOORLD!
This post is very timely as I have just written the dedication for my next book (out end March). Simmering Season will be dedicated to Dad, my moral compass who let me travel my own path through life–loving me no matter how I strayed, letting make my own choices–even when he didn’t understand.
This theme will feature throughout Simmering Season. I can’t wait to bring the story to you.
Speaking of photos…. A few from the old album to bore you with. (Yes, I take after my dad!)
Lovely post Jenn 🙂
🙂 You’ve met Dad, tripping and stumbling with that gammy leg. Oh dear. Gang way, gang planks!
You should have gone with him to keep tabs on him, Jenn! Maybe he’ll attend one of those ‘learn to use your camera’ sessions during the cruise and surprise you with his fabulous photos.
LOL I tried. He did take me on a cruise (with my older brther). I was 14 at the time and very naughty – up late, dancing all night (because you could have fun back then without too much fear of crazy people). Not sure I have the stomach for cruise ships any more.
Wonderful post Jenn…I wish your Dad a wonderful cruise, safe and happy travels. It will be nostalgic for him, but he’ll have fun 🙂 No more tears from you Jenn!! x
Until i have to look at the same photos for the tenth time and make it sound like i haven’t seen them before!!!!! Thx bren
Sounds like a wonderful childhood. Best wishes to your Dad & his travel’s, I’m sure your Mum’s spirit will be with him all the way. Looking forward to the your next book.
Thank you Kathy and I am very excited about Simmering Season. The next thing to happen in the process will be a sneak peek at the cover concept. I can’t wait for that. 🙂
Well that dedication got to pulling the heart strings!! When I buy Simmering Season I’ll have to skip that bit or I won’t be able to read through my tears!
Oh Sandie, you lovely lady. I promise there are lots of laughs to be had in Calingarry Crossing!!
My FIL has just done his first trip o/s without my MIL, and they too travelled extensively. So yeah, we’ve just had to sit through those photos as well lol. Good on your dad for going on his own!
Very comforting, Kez! 😉 Thx. Had dinner with him night beofre travel. Nearly had to drive all the way to his place to get the mobile phone charger he swore he packed. Found it 30 minutes later…. You don’t wnat to know where! Aaaaarrrggghhhh!