Changing Outlook!

I have been in Britain for nearly a month now and already my life is changing. My reasons for returning home were unclear, when I arrived on 25 May. I came home because of circumstances in Spain. It was far easier to stay with my Aunt in Portsmouth than remain in Gran Alacant and all the uncertainty that came with it. On the day I departed Alicante Airport, I really was at the end of my tether with all things Spanish; my love affair with Spain was well and truly over. Of course that isn't entirely true, I still regard the Costa Blanca as my home; however since I returned to the UK, I find myself reassessing my life, almost on a daily basis!

This trip home, was supposed to be short and fleeting, a brief stay to see family and friends before returning to Spain once again. Like everything else in my life, it hasn't really turned out that way. A lot has happened since I first arrived, none of it predicted; it has caught me very much by surprise. When confronted by different obstacles, one has no choice but to change ones outlook and forge a new path; this is exactly what I am doing today.

My Mother hasn't been well for a number of years and sadly her health has deteriorated over the last few weeks. If there was ever a time I was meant to be here, it is now. I have a feeling I was supposed to return home and never consciously knew it; fate took over and my plans were put on hold. The last thing I want to do now, is return home to the continent, with my Mothers health in its current state. At this time, both my parents need help and support, not desertion and abrogation. During the last few days I have had to make some hard choices, with the support of my husband Darrell and my family in the UK. I have decided to remain in Portsmouth with my Aunt and be there for both my parents, while they go through this agonising time.

Last year Darrell had to return to Australia to care for his Mother, who is currently battling cancer. Today I am in a similar position, only this time in the UK. Our enduring difficulty is having families on opposite sides of the World, at a time when both our Mothers are ill. Compounding the problem: Our home is in Spain!

Yesterday I managed to secure a job, just to tide me over while I'm here. At the moment I have no idea how long I will be staying in Britain; the truth is, I'm in no hurry to return and am enjoying my time on the south coast of England. As a consequence Darrell and I are having to live apart; not the best solution but we have been here before and are accustomed to the situation we once again find ourselves in. Darrell will be remaining in Spain; he has a good job at the airport and wants to keep a base there at the moment. Both of us have long term plans, but need to put them on hold, while we deal with issues out of our control. I will be staying in the UK for as long as it takes for my Mother to get well and recover; this is a time for pulling together and putting differences and ambitions aside; this is a time for rebuilding and supporting those who need it. Darrell and I will come together in time when we are able; for now our lives will head in different directions!