UK Beginnings

May you live all the days of your life.

Jonathan Swift

So …. as I’m beginning this trip blog at the end of the journey, seems fitting that it’s the Irishman Swift whose quote speaks to me. It could easily be the caption for Victoria’s photo, though we called it “Embrace”.

There are layers of meaning to the trip to the U.K.

Victoria’s ashes have been gently given to the water at Urquhart Castle Bay by special friends, Scott and Brian – me beside them (July 10, 2019). It’s a place at which she was especially exuberant and joyful when traveling there following her FCO performances in England and Wales. She was delighted with each turn of the road and new view. Very free spirited. And feeling such aplomb at performing in historic or sacred spaces – solo and all. I can see that and a repetitive motif of open arms in her approach to life in that photo and place.

And here you can see we found the Scottish countryside where the photo was taken. A roadside viewpoint on Loch Ness (date 2016).

We spent the morning on Loch Ness in the care of a man almost a caricature of the perfect Scottish gentleman. Gordon was born on Loch Ness in the home he still resides in with his private jetty, and history and knowledge of Loch Ness. We had a lovely tour around the loch before he settled us into the shadow of Urquhart Castle to place Vicki’s ashes. They settled and turned so that it looked as though the beautiful package was sailing away from us.

I said our first celebration of Vicki’s life was about the people she loved and those who loved her. Created in large part by Brian and Scott. (September 9, 2018). Then September 24, 2018 Mom and I scattered ashes at McPhillip Beach on the Oregon Coast where some of Dad’s are, on his birthday. Honoring family and her Oregon home. And, for me, this place for a part of her is about the life she did not get to finish. The bliss yet to be lived. One more precious package is left.

Travel Partners

Scott and Brian agreed to accompany me on this journey. But in the interim both experienced other losses. And still they chose to join me. I cannot express what that means to me. I’d have made the trip alone, but sharing it with two Vicki loved so dearly means so very much. They have my grateful heart and friendship.

Closing this journey…

For a long while the words of the song she provided the solo beginning for on the chorale tour have been floating in my mind. I hum it and hear Vicki’s voice.

No time to tarry here, no time to wait for you, no time to tarry here for I’m on my journey.

No Time arranged by Susan Brumfield – Vicki’s solo included “Oh, I really do believe that just before the end of time, we will hear the angels singing in that morning”. I hope she heard angels.