Page 52 of The Old Gals’ Bucket List

SANDRA

‘Oh my goodness, look at Don!’ Laila exclaimed, pointing out to the sea.

Sandra followed her gaze and saw Don standing on the surfboard, riding a wave. He held the pose for a moment then wobbled and fell off into the sea. Laila got to her feet, shielding her eyes with her hand, then breathed out a sigh of relief as Don surfaced, laughing.

‘He’s really taken to it, hasn’t he? Who knew?’ Sandra remarked.

Rana and Kali had both begged for surfing lessons and to their astonishment Don had not only agreed but joined them. She was sure that was mainly so he could keep an eye on the kids, but he seemed to be actually enjoying it.

‘You’ve been a good influence on him, Sandra. He’s seen how you’ve been determined to pick yourself up and live your life to the fullest and it’s encouraged him to do the same.’

Sandra smiled. ‘I’m pleased to hear it. Now he’s stopped worrying about me he can relax and get on with his life instead.’

‘We’ve all decided to go on the air balloon with you this afternoon,’ Laila told her. ‘It will be an adventure for the girls.’

Well, that was another turn up for the books.

Don had been aghast when she’d first mentioned going up in an air balloon but Becky, Hogan.

Zac and Honey were all going too. Don must have decided he didn’t want to miss out.

Kali was now seven which meant both girls met the age and height restrictions so Don and Laila had agreed they could go with them on the half an hour flight. They were all so excited.

‘I can’t believe I’m doing this,’ Sandra said as the air balloon floated serenely through the almost cloudless sky over the scenic valley below.

She felt overwhelmed with happiness at taking this flight with her family, all together, enjoying the experience.

For a long time she thought she would never be happy again but now she was looking forward to the future.

‘That’s the last thing off your bucket list, isn’t it Mum?’ Becky asked when they had landed, collected their photo that the organisers had taken and were having lunch before they went home. ‘Has Patti completed hers?’

Sandra opened up The Old Gals’ Instagram page, uploaded the photo of them all in the air balloon, ticked it off the list and added something to the bottom of the list. Then she turned her phone around so that Becky could see the screen.

‘For now. But I’m sure we’ll both be adding a lot more to the list in the future.’