It’s a slow start this morning. I’m still in pain but determined to have a good time. We take some fun pictures to remember our time at the B&B and then head South. 

Susannah and I have used our DOC passes to book a spot at Uretiti campsite. Although we won’t stay the night, this will allow us to use the park during the day – the family can enter as our guests. We drive there and park near the beach entrance. We all end up in the water and the beach is, as usual, practically empty. It’s lovely to be able to show my family our happy place and for them to experience it for themselves. 

I am sitting on the beach. Susannah is up to her knees in the water. I watch her. I see from her body language that she is literally wailing into the ocean. It’s a release but it must be so hard for her, knowing what is to come. I jog down to her and hold her while she let’s go.

I’m still here, love, I’m still here.