Well… Today we made the reservations that will see us heading to Samoa with my Family in October… I am really VERY excited! Not only will this trip be an opportunity for a break and a bit of time out… but it will be an opportunity to remember my Dad after nearly 10 years since we lost him to Alzheimers.
This blog is going to be a bit of a journal into the processes of intentionally remembering someone that is very dear to me and at times may be a bit emotional. I make no apologies for this as I kinda only know how to write what I think and feel at the time, and know that both of the people that read this will be ok about that!
I have known about the possibility of this trip for some time as it was an awesome suggestion that my Mum made before Christmas… after we found out that we were expecting baby #2 in August (well actually, only a few days away as I write this) we were pretty much resigned to the fact that it probably would be too big a stretch with the finances. I think that as the time has drawn nearer, my heart has longed more and more to go and to be honest, I don’t know if I was really communicating this to Christine very well. It got to the stage over the weekend where I realized how much I would regret NOT taking this opportunity to be there. With a bit of negotiating and promises of half the things lying around the house making their way on to Trademe… we decided that we would go. I was sitting on the couch next to Christine and I just burst into tears when we made the decision! I had been carrying a burden around that just caught up with me and WHAMMO… we are now heading to Samoa.
There is so much to be excited about… and so much to be mindful of… Samoa is somewhere that I have always longed to go. I went to Fiji last year and may integrate some of those posts into this blog as I seek to set the background and tone of this trip. Fiji was awesome, but it has always been Samoa that has captivated me. Samoa was where Dad was happiest. Well… until my Sister and I rocked his world I am sure…
I look forward to writing more and would love your feedback and ideas about stuff! 🙂
Al
braindump 
As a full blooded Samoan, I am fasinated by your story. Like yourself what interests me is knowing the journey in which my father has gone through. In saying this I wish you all the best in finding the answers to your questions, and hope you get to experience Samoa the way your father would have.Ia faamanuia atu ia te oe ma le aiga
<html><head></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Thanks SO much for taking the time to leave a comment!!!<div><br></div><div>Samoa has a special place in my heart and it is fulfilling a life’s dream to be coming over!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Bless you tonnes! :)</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><div></div></div></div></body></html>