We spent the entire day lounging around the stunning property and in our room, soaking in the last hours of this dream birthday vacation. It was Saturday afternoon around 3:45 when I thought we should pop into town and pick up gifts for friends and our Mothers, as it was Mother’s Day the following day. Why didn’t we just pick something out from the beautifully curated hotel gift shop? I am just now thinking of this? We wanted to support a local soap maker who’d created the rose bath salts we soaked in the night before. We wanted to spread the love.
I look at my phone now and the photo below is what I was doing. Relaxing on a pile of pillows, digesting fantastic fresh ceviche, and listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean. I was even drinking a Topo Chico. Really, a dream moment that I should have just continued to linger in. I was simply enjoying the way the sun was bouncing off my silver bolero jacket to create patterns on my skin and the reflection I could get of the palm trees in my new, cheap sunglasses. Simplicity at its best. Completely sober. Unwound.
As it turns out the shop we drove into town for was closed and we were hit by a drunk driver just minutes after passing by. He ran a stop sign. We were headed back to the hotel. I wish we’d never left. So does my neck and right arm. Thankfully we are not broken and have access to physical therapy. Thankfully there were witnesses, all local, and they surrounded us like family. It could have been a very different experience. I will share the full story once the fog has lifted but for now…
One of the teachable moments I can take away from this is: I need to allow myself to fully enjoy those rare moments of stillness. We have become so insanely active that being still is no longer an option. We didn’t rent a car until the middle of our stay and our number one reason was the cost of a cab into town. Deep down, I think we were also uneasy being still. We love to explore. We’ve driven in rural parts of many countries. But in the end, we should have just relaxed and relished the slowness.
Two weeks out from the accident, all I want is to be back in that pile of pillows, listening to the ocean, and dancing with the light.
The video above was taken after the accident.
We made it back to Playa Punta Lobos just in time for the remaining moments of sunset. We were/are both in shock and beyond grateful.
May your journey be your muse,
Rachel
I had this song on repeat all week…
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