The Partner Ship - Last Night at Home

Our friend Fiona once asked me if our car had a name. I thought she was crazy, really who needs to name their car? But thanks to Ruby, our trusty Subaru Outback has a name, and I'll get to that.

Leaving one's family and friends for 6 months brings up lots of emotion. It is easy to feel selfish (hmm, is selfish an emotion?). As my Aunt June would say "family comes first" and travel feels like self coming first. There is sadness knowing you will be devoid of regular, physical contact with those you love. I specifically fear that something bad might befall my parents or children while we are too far away to help. I envision parties and celebrations friends will have without us, and feel a little pull on my heart. As our friend Gayl Creutzberg quoted on her blog site "Reclaiming the Miracle of Food and Farming":

"Is there anything as horrible as starting a trip? Once you’re off, that’s all right! But the last moments are earthquake and convulsion and the feeling that you are a snail being pulled off your rock". Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Thanks Gayl - love it).

However, the truth is that we have been surrounded by love and support during this entire process of preparing to leave. All the goodbyes and bon-voyages have now been said. I have held those I most love to my chest, drinking in their presence, filling my spiritual well (which I plan to draw on in the future!). We leave light in spirit, even though we may be a little heavy in packing.

Which brings me around to our car. Many people, including Charlie and Ruby, have shared that our decision to travel has inspired them. One morning I woke up to a beautiful FB message from Ruby full of love, encouragement, and gratitude. She wrote about her admiration for the partnership Barry and I have shared for over 30 years, but misspelled the word "partner ship". As Barry and I were driving to Hillside Festival last Thursday I was sharing with him this very special email from Ruby and I commented on her spelling error. He enthusiastically patted our Subaru on the dashboard and said "good old Subaru - the "Partner Ship". Really, how perfect is that?

So off we go in the Partner Ship - leaving to visit family in North Bay tomorrow. We leave behind a family, community, and home that has been the world to us, to explore some of the world beyond the cozy corner of our abundant life. Already we can't wait to see them again! Ironically, as we prepare to let go of what is comfortable and familiar, it is these very connections that will help us fly. Thanks, thanks and more thanks. We give each other strength.

Debbie

The Partner Ship