It’s been over eleven months since I’ve written a Reflection. The last one titled, “The Journey Home,” talked about the joys and travails of travel. And colorful leaves. 🍁🍂

On March 27, 2024, after a career that included traveling the world, my husband, Doug, reached his final destination—his heavenly home. Amongst his belongings was a very thick— extra pages added—passport. One foreign stamp read, “Journey Completed.”

When Doug returned from one trip, another was already booked. 

Most people haven’t a clue when they’ll embark on their last excursion. Illness, injury, or the inevitable aging process can stop a globe-trotting traveler at any time. Their flights are grounded.

My husband suffered from several health problems. Even so, his death was unexpected.

I hoped we would visit the temples of Thailand one last time.

But a long-distance flight was riddled with obstacles.

I lowered my expectations to a scenic road trip to upstate New York. I would drive! Even that scenario seemed daunting.

I suggested a day trip in our home state of Florida. The look on his face told me his traveling days were over. He even lost interest in visiting his favorite restaurant. 

After years in an airplane seat, Doug retired to his recliner. He watched shows that combined travel with exotic foods. On Sundays, I served interesting dishes like grilled octopus and hanging duck.

Over the meal, we’d reminisce about our adventures—California 1979—the first time we tried sashimi and chopsticks!

Hong Kong 2004—Szechuan beef with peppers 🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥—a dish that rendered our taste buds useless for days. Thailand 2018—soup for breakfast.

The last cooking show we watched together was the Great British Bake Off. I promised to make homemade bread that next Sunday.

Doug was a million-miler with Delta.

I used his leftover points to fly to Wisconsin. Doug’s remains were shipped on ahead. I reluctantly flew solo.

This Reflection is the most difficult I’ve ever written. I tend to muse about the lighter side of life—the variety of hangers in our closets, the addiction of jigsaw puzzles, my favorite books, and my love of writing.

Seeing and feeling Doug’s cremated remains for the first time, took my breath away. Gathering with loved ones to sprinkle his body near Lake Superior left me speechless.

Until now, I couldn’t write about Doug’s death or the emotional first holiday season without him. My mind was blank. How do I put into words the loss of a husband of forty-six years, seven months, and seven days? As cliched as it sounds, he was my best friend.

Eventually, Doug’s new Delta luggage tags arrived in the mail. The attached information encouraged Doug to explore new horizons! Denmark, Egypt, Cambodia! 

Delta didn’t include heaven—my ultimate travel destination.

No reservations. No luggage tags. No checked bags. 

Where is your next destination?