Greetings to you, my fellow traveller.

Today, I offer my heart and soul to you in a state of vulnerability and empowerment. As a survivor/thriver of grief, I have been on a journey of healing and rebirth since my beloved husband, Darryl, passed five years ago. On this fifth anniversary of his passing, I stand before you, feeling transformed from the person who once said farewell to my Australian family and friends, my animals, my home, and the Australian communities where I belonged.

I returned to Canada on June 20th, 2018, only 11 weeks after wishing Darryl a peaceful journey home. It was Winter Solstice when I left Australia, and then I travelled across the dateline. I landed in Canada, and presto-magic, it was Summer Solstice. A spiritual migration indeed!

I recall going through airport immigration. I was exhausted and anxious about everything, from where I would live to how I would carry on. The Immigration officer welcomed me home and, in the same breath, asked if I would be ‘repatriating.’ At that moment, I realized I was unhinged from everything familiar about my Australian life. I replied, “I guess I am!” as if surprised by his question, which was profoundly helpful at that moment. I was unaware of the mountain of repatriating red tape ahead of me.

I soldiered on as one does when in survival mode. I still struggle with feeling ‘home.’ Nevertheless, I am proud of my epic journey and believe I am in a state of resurrection as I approach my 60th birthday. More on that subject to come!

The pandemic added more challenges to the concept of ‘home,’ as I was isolated in a bubble of one, but I remain steadfast in staying true to myself. Upon deep reflection, I have realized that what I yearn for is not just a physical place to call ‘home,’ but a more profound feeling of ‘belonging.’ Darryl and I belonged to each other. We found a home in each other. What a cherished gift that was and continues to live in my life experience like a beacon of light.

Belonging is a profoundly nurturing feeling that stems from a knowing sense of connection, community, and acceptance. We all long for this feeling – to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to be seen and heard, and to know that we matter.

I know you also understand the importance of belonging because you are reading my words now. We are connected and belong to each other, forming a collective of belonging. I am grateful to you.

It’s easy to get lost in the wrong direction. We know that there’s more to life than just material success. Belonging is about finding and holding on to our tribe, those who accept us for who we are, even with our quirks. It’s about feeling we have a place in this world, a purpose, and a community supporting us on our journey.

However, there will always be times when we feel isolated and disconnected from our tribe. Sometimes, I also feel this way, especially when I don’t fit in or feel stuck searching for something more.

Divine Providence whispers to me from the spirit world, reminding me I belong, even in my darkest hour. I experience a loving, supportive gesture, without explanation, but a confirmation that I am seen, and heard.

As I unpack my grieving process, I realize I have grown in ways that could only happen by travelling along my unique path. I know I am most fulfilled when serving others, delving deeper into their feelings and patterns of what holds them back, where they belong, and exploring what all this means to them.

I invite you to explore the concept of belonging. Perhaps it’s time to seek out new communities or connect with like-minded individuals who share your passions and interests. Maybe it’s time to step back and reassess what truly matters to you and what kind of life you want to create for yourself.

In reverence to my beloved late husband, Darryl, I uphold his timeless spirit and wisdom that illuminate and sustain me on my path. With utmost devotion, I am committed to cherishing his memory and preserving his lasting legacy. By guiding others on their journeys and empowering them to surmount adversities, I honour Darryl’s memory and pass on his gifts of resilience and inspiration.

Thank you for being a massive part of my life’s navigation. We are a beautiful, supportive tribe, keeping each other, in our ways, in that space of belonging.
With gratitude and love,
Laurie Anne