After visiting Paradise on and off over the past 10 years, I had always felt like I was losing a part of myself each and every time I'd leave. It occurred to me after a terrible divorce, that I could return - and for as long as I wanted, even if that meant for ever.About a year ago, I did just that. I didn't come by myself, however. I was fortunate enough to bring my best friend Morgon, with me.
And together, he and I faced many difficulties. We endured a rat-infested, bug-trap of an apartment (where I was afraid to walk around without the lights on), terrible landlords, mal-functioning vehicles, hurricane season - among other things, with the worst being the financial strain of a depressed economy. Good-paying jobs, we were told, would be scarce and difficult to obtain because we were outsiders. But like everything else we had overcome, that too, went by the wayside.
Since then, I experienced some traumatic health issues, which brought on a new set of worries. However, somewhere in the stress and anxiety, I realized that the person who stood by me through thick and thin from the beginning, was not just my best friend anymore, but somebody I knew I didn't want to live without.
We married in a small private ceremony with our bare feet in the sand under the setting sun. (click here for pics)
And for my bride's gift, he bought me everything I'd need to paint again. Even moved us to a new place with a garden we could plant together that overlooks the ocean. There I have set my easel up permanently and can pursue finishing my books.
We are happy. Like halcyon days, we live simple lives with little stress or expense. There is music and laughter and growth. We've met a lot of good people and made some great friends. We both have jobs we love and look forward to everyday.
When we sit in our garden together and reflect on how lucky we are, we can't help but feel blessed. We've come so far in so little time, starting from nothing and knowing no-one. We have a shared dream and look forward to walking into that future together.
I smile to myself as I remember all those years when I was visiting the island and hearing the Goddess whispering, beckoning for me to stay. I can't help now but reply in spite of myself "Here I am. Here WE are. And we are finally home."
