Washington DC – December 2009
It had been a long journey to get here, to this point; both physically and emotionally. Fifteen hours to LA then another five to Washington DC.
It was -10oC and the circle of flags were fluttering noisily, standing out stiffly, stretched by the wind to their full length. The metal halyards clanked and whined against their posts.
I could hardly hear the voice on the other end of the phone – the conversation stilted and formal. Not warm or comforting. I complained that all I wanted was to have someone to sit in a nice warm pub with, out of the wind. I was not yet ready to take that step alone. Silent, frustrated tears were freezing on my cheeks as I said goodbye to the man I no longer knew but had spent the last 25 years with. I was 16,000 km away but that was closer than I felt. My heart felt colder than my un-gloved fingertips.
As the sun set behind the Obelisk it set on that part of me too. It was time to walk away.
Imagining myself silhouetted by the setting sun, I had an image of Scarlet O’Hara standing up in the vegetable patch; straightening her shoulders and vowing never to be hungry again.
Visibly squaring my own shoulders, I strode purposefully past the Pool of Remembrance as it crusted over, trapping leaves in its icy layers. I stood and watched the ice spreading, fascinated by how quickly it engulfed one leaf and then another and another. Finally, distracted by some chattering joggers– political types no doubt – running past in their active-wear, I moved on.
The cold made me feel alive and I was keenly mindful of all that was going on around me as if I had suddenly transformed into some sort of superhero with special powers to see and hear the smallest of things; the tiniest details.
I repeated out loud “I will never be hungry again.”
But I wasn’t hungry… what was I not going to be…? I searched for the emotion. It seemed nameless…and then…
“I will never be lonely again!” I realised that I felt less alone in my own company than I had in the last ten or so years living with someone who had become a stranger.
I was free. Free to be me.
In that moment of realisation, I had become a solo traveller. No longer a woman apologetically travelling without her partner but a woman choosing to travel alone, on purpose and with purpose.
(These images were taken with a little Olympus. I am not even sure what the model was now. Suffice to say my photography has progressed!)
Ooooh! A good read. Left me hungry for more. I could feel your loneliness and now want to know how these moments transformed you into the confident and very personable woman who travelled alone to my town for a weekend Instameet. Keep this up Robyn. It is so much more satisfying than just IG photos.
Thank you Julie! I am hoping to add add parts 2 and 3 soon! I am certainly enjoying it!
I enjoyed the emotions, felt your strength in transformation.
This is a very good post, my favourite
Thanks Pete! I hesitated about posting it – but in the end thought what the heck!
Very heartfelt post Robyn. I understand and empathise with your pain and loneliness even while in a relationship. It is now great to see the strength you have developed as a result of that roller coaster ride you would have felt. Love your stories and photos.
Thanks Sue! xx