A Journey Sure to Test!
This story begins with a young, vibrant 18 year old woman. She was full of life and optimism, not a care in the world! That is until the moment her night ended abruptly in an emergency room. Yes this story is about me.
As my plane landed from its long international flight from Australia to Canada I was so excited. It was my first ever trip overseas and I planned to travel for just shy of a month. I was going it alone! Taking on the world! I saw some absolutely amazing and breathtaking views, snow for the first time, the ballet and so much more! This was the trip of a life time; or so I thought. Well one thing is for sure, I will never forget it!
One night as I was waiting out the front of a restaurant I was dragged to an alley and severely beaten. I will not go into detail as it’s not something I really like to think about let alone put it into writing. I have accepted what happened a long time ago (7 years ago this happened) but it still brings shudders when I think about it. I was extremely lucky that a very kind and I must say heroic man came to my rescue. If it weren’t for this man I probably wouldn’t be here now.
Anyway, I am basking on another journey to the exact city that this unfortunate incident happened to me in exactly 15 days! This time I am going with my husband and sister in law to see the 100 year anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. I know this time it will be different, I am smarter, wiser, physically stronger and I won’t be alone but I am so nervous, frightened and basically scared shitless. Not that it will happen again, not really about what could happen but about what did happen. I can’t explain it in a way that anyone but me can understand (not really sure I do at this point) and so when I was asked if I wanted to go I said yes. I knew my husband was really keen on going and he had the excited puppy look. I couldn’t say no.
When my 18 year old self went to Calgary, I wanted to see the stampede but I missed it by a couple of weeks. Yes I should have done more research! I want this trip to be memorable for all the right reasons. I want to have fun and enjoy myself, we are even lucky enough to have my father in law babysit. Yep that’s right we are going without the kids overseas! Yes I am a bit nervous about this too. Please don’t confuse my hesitation and fear with being ungrateful, I am extremely lucky to be able to go on an overseas holiday and spend some time with my husband all alone. It’s been so long since that has happened.
In the spirit of being brave and facing my fears, I want to embrace this with all the strength and fight I have inside me. I am going to need to find other amazing things to do in Calgary also to keep me busy.
Have you been? Do you live there? What fun, exciting, touristy attractions are there? Any great places to eat? I want to know everything anyone has to offer. Also if anyone knows how to stand up and so no to being scared please let me know.
Sincerely,
Your scared fighter
Kell
Kell, I’m so sorry you had to go through that experience. I can’t even imagine the trauma you went though, and are still going through by taking the step to go back there. I do know that you’re one brave cookie to face those demons again. Hopefully you’ll break some of the bad memories of the place and come home a little lighter for doing it.
I just know that for me personally to fully let go of this I need to face it. And this time I’ll have support with me. I will replace these bad memories with great and happy ones. Thanks for your support Penny
That’s a hideous experience and it is no surprise you are scared to return to the place this happened. It doesn’t need to be rational (though it sounds rational enough to me). I imagine this trip will be quite healing – going with your husband and having a good time. I hope you come back with a little less emotional pain from that time.
Yes that is what I’m hoping will happen. A weight to be lifted off my shoulders, it’s been there too long and it’s time to go. I will face thoses fears and then (hopefully) have a super fun time
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I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to you Kell. How horrible. It’s understandable why you would be hesitant to want to go back. But it sounds like you guys will have lots of fun.
We all need a break from the kids and when you come back you will have a whole different love for the kids.
I haven’t been overseas at all. I would really love to visit Lebanon where my parents are from but its so expensive. One day we will though.
I really hope you do get over there soon, it sounds like a very sentimental place for your family
Wow, that’s full-on! I don’t blame you for being hesitant or nervous!
All I can say is it will be a full on rollercoaster of emotions! Thanks for commenting Fi
Oh my goodness
Did they have a reason? Were they caught? I really hope you had travel insurance.
As for this trip, you’ll have your man to keep you safe and those experiences are freak incidents, not likely to be repeated!
You are going to have such an awesome time!
It was a random attack and yes they were caught (thank goodness for DNA) and no I was young and fearless and thought stuff like that would never happen to me so I didn’t take out travel insurance (yes it ended up costing an absolute fortune!) this trip I’m sure will be so much happier and better memories
What a horrible experience. I sad to hear you had to go though that but it wil be helpful to return and create new and wonderful memories there. I haven’t been there but I would love to hear all about it when you return.
I definately intend on writing all about it when I get back! It will be hard but it was a long time ago and completely random. Its just that bit of ‘what if’ if you know what I mean. Thank you for commenting Lisa
Oh gosh you poor thing, I can understand your hesitations. Good on you for being brave. I am sure you will have a wonderful time
Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses
I am sure I will have a great time, it’s just feeling in the pit of my stomach saying remember last time. Yes I do have hesitations but I have always said one day I will go back and face my fears. Thanks for commenting Rhi
You are so brave for going back, but it will be empowering for you. My husband used to live in Calgary and his advice is to head out to the mountains, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise. The other person to ask is a blogger Maddie from Colour Me There. She has lived in Calgary more recently. Have a wonderful trip. The 100th Stampede will be amazing!
I went to all Banff last time (before the incident) and it was so much fun! Thank you for referring me to Maddie. Will pop over and visit her page tonight. I am looking for ward to the stampede, will take loads of pictures!
You are a courageous person I can see, and re vsiting a place with such awful memories, and many years later will obviously see some kind of reaction. You are not that younger person now, though, and you have maturity, wisdom and years of experiences that are making you strong. Great stuff.
Here from #TeamIbot
Denyse
Thank you Denyse for your very encouraging words. Pop back over again soon and say hi or visit on facebook.
What a cocktail of strong and mixed emotions you must have about this trip… I am horrified to hear about what you have been through. I haven’t been to Calgary but I hope that this trip is a wholly positive one so that you can banish the bad memories that have been haunting you. x
Yes it is definately a coctail of emotions. I know what I want to get out of this trip and what I need to in order to be free and enjoy myself over there. I just hope it all goes as smoothly as I picture it going.
Oh Kel, I think you are being very brave indeed (for going back and for leaving the kids!)
Hopefully this will be a time of healing for you, and give you full closure.
Hope you have a wonderful time. Xx
That is my plan Jess, hopefully it works how I plan or I’m going to be a blubbering mess at the airport and refuse to get off the plane. hahaha. I’m sure it will be healing and an experience I need to do – for me!
This is a massive step for you Kel. I’m glad you have some time to prepare though!
Take your time, listen to yourself, mind, body and soul. Don’t push yourself further than you need.
And remember to breathe. This too shall pass. xxXOoo
Thanks Carmen, you are my advice guru! Full of wise tips. Thank you for your support and I’m sure there will be updates on this particular topic when I return home.
What a horrible experience to go through! I hope you find that your new journey is healing for you and it helps you put it all behind you.
Yes me too Tat. That is the result I am aiming for (well more so hoping for). Thanks for stopping by. Make sure you follow via GFC, Networked Blogs or facebook
Oh Kell I am so sorry to hear what u went through and must admit you are much more braver than me… I don’t think could pick up the strength to go of it were me…. I’m sure despite what happened you will have an amazing time alone with your husband x
That is what I’m hoping for Karen. I will be writing some posts about my journey when I return. So stay tuned
oh my gosh..what horrible experience for you! I cannot even imagine…and you were all alone!
good luck on this trip!
I am your newest follower from the hop..pls follow back if you can.
I couldn’t find your facebook but I followed via GFC. Thanks for following.
What a horrible thing to have happened. You are right you have learnt a lot, you are wiser to the ways of the world and you have family to keep you safe. Don’t let bastard/s win by ruining your trip. Have a wonderful, wonderful time. Thanks for linking up for Flash Blog Friday
Thats what I’m hoping for Bree. That my stubborness and urge to win will get me through this. Thanks for having me on Flash Blog Friday
That is a terrible incident you’ve been through..
I hope you can put it aside and enjoy yourself…
because the Calgary Stampede is AWESOME!! Not that I have been – but I have seen video of my friend who competes!!! My parents are actually going this year too!!! They are in London atm and on their way to Canada (also attending 2 weddings in Vancover)
I really hope you have a most WONDERFUL time! xxx
Hahaha thats awesome. The videos look amazing don’t they? I hope your parents have fun as well. I am going to enjoy myself. I will win 😉
That’s just absolutely awful! I’m so glad that there was someone who rescued you!
I’ve been to Canada – Vancouver and Toronto but not Calgary.
I hope you have a great trip and that it will be a time of healing for you.
Look forward to hearing the stories when you get back!
I went to Vancouver as well – gorgeous place that one! There will be stories when I get back. Stay tuned
Hello! Following you from Flow Yo Blog Friday blog hop! Looking forward to reading more!
Would appreciate the follow back. Have a great weekend!!!
-Kat
http://mom-uncensored.blogspot.com
I have followed you back. Do you have FB?
I hope your trip is everything you hope for and more…It is really wonderful that you’re are going back with your husband..Enjoy kid-less days!!
Hahaha yeah I think it will be very strange being in a completely different country to my kids. Will be an interesting trip.