Sunday, September 25, 2011

Raising my Sails...


I know this sounds weird, but I had my first meal alone in a restaurant this morning! I usually opt for a fast food drive through, but frankly, I was getting tired of fast food. So, I stopped at a Williamsburg coffee shop and had a great breakfast.

Stepping out alone is getting easier every day.


I came across a brochure at my hotel about taking a trip on a schooner on the York River out of Yorktown, so I went ahead and bought a ticket for a two hour tour. One of my Dutch ancestors sailed on a fishing vessel in 1573 out of Newfoundland, hey, maybe it's in my blood? I know it's not the same- but a journey is a journey.

I had a great time out on the ship, talked with the fellow passengers and even raised a sail.

As one of my relatives, Sherry VanOeveren Bouwman, told me- we have strong women in our family. I do have a long line of strong ancestors behind me, we all do. The motto of Zeeland, an area of the Netherlands where some of my family came from is, "I struggle and I emerge". I can feel myself getting more confident and balanced, my priorities are becoming clearer again- I am more encouraged about the future and I am looking forward to getting to it. I accept Tony's passing better now- he lived a long and full life, now it's my turn to continue my journey to my own long and full life. I know I will see him again, and what a shame it would be if I didn't have my own life tales to tell him.

Oh, and I ate dinner alone tonight at a nice restaurant in Williamsburg and I didn't feel awkward at all!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

6 comments:

Michelle said...

Love the "I Struggle and I emerge" frame of mind. Also love how you are taking on your life, I have no doubt that Tony would be button bustin' proud of you!

Anonymous said...

I think you're doing a marvelous job, Jill, with sailing! I've always believed you to be a marvelously confident and warm woman. I'm glad to see your sails unfurling. From what you have told us of him I believe Tony would be very proud.

Beanie Mouse said...

Way to go Jillie!!! Well done, you!

Anonymous said...

Jill ... I have been on my own since forever, or so it seems, and discovered that if I wanted to go somewhere or do anything, I just had to do it on my own! So I've been on many roadtrips by myself and I've eaten way too many meals in restaurants by myself! I know you have accepted Christ, so to say you [or I] are doing this alone is simply not true! We are never alone and that makes it so much easier to do! Have more great adventures on your own!!

bonnie b. said...

I hope that YOU write a book someday Jill. Your journey is inspiring for so many women , your life path has been very interesting and meaningful. I hope you share it with the world someday.

Anne T. Canada said...

The first few times I ate alone in a restaurant - I ordered a coffee and menus for 2 - told them I was waiting for someone. After a few minutes - I ordered, but they usually left the 2nd menu in place. No one bothered me. :)

CONGRATS!