One of my favourite writers wrote: “We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life.” C.S. Lewis.
I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Alicante (Spain) in April. Weather was lovely, not too warm, not too cold, the right temperature for me. Sky as blue as usual during the day and full of stars at night just to show off. I’m already used to the UK weather when I hardly see the stars every single night.
The Mediterranean Sea was also as usual, magnificent blue, captivating every tourist with the temperature of the water.
Stayed at a great friend’s house who made my stay special. She prepared my room as if it was a hotel. Thank you would just not be enough for her hospitality. Enjoyed nice talks, sang together emotional songs, the ones that touch the soul.
Repeated a visit to a lovely place. This second time was different. Although it was the same place as some years ago, I felt different, I saw it with other eyes. My heart was touched by a comment from Tita, the guide. I was inside a cave, the Canelobre Caves. (https://monica-etcheverry.uk/exploring-the-hidden-wonders/) Tita showed us around and all of a sudden she said: Have you realised this cave is still alive after all these thousand years? This totally changed my way of seeing it! Yes, she was right, it was alive! There were drops of water falling from the top, that was a continuous drop, for thousands of years. That day wasn’t an exception. I felt an intruder inside the cavity. The cave let us walk inside it, welcoming us, the visitors, some of the hundreds that were also amazed at its beauty. I also felt special, a special witness of the paramount work of nature. A work invisible from outside. A well-kept secret for so many years. I felt blessed. Not too many people get to see these amazing creations inside the cave. At some point, I wished I could stay there long enough to see the cave’s unstopping work, how a stalactite or stalagmite was formed during time. Unfortunately, our life is shorter than this kind of creation.
I was travelling with a special person. Someone with whom I have shared many stories during our lives. I feel it was not a coincidence. She went with me for a reason, and the reason was that I was not by myself when I had a great stop in my life. It was a real-life interruption. I received a message with sad news. It was an unpleasant sad moment but not entirely unexpected. It was sooner than hoped. I am so grateful I was not alone.
Unpleasant or unexpected things can happen every single day. That’s what real life is about. Full of ups and downs, for everyone, you’re not an exception, neither I am. Truth is, we can always accept them as they come, staying positive, looking for the beauty everywhere and in everything. We’ll be amazed of the hidden wonders waiting to tap us on the shoulder when we least expect it—like a cat deciding you’re worthy of its attention. Don’t you think you are?