A backpacker trip to Central America was what Alison van der Lande needed to recover from a serious illness – and get her mojo back.
As my 23-year-old daughter, Daisy, filled me in on all her upcoming travel plans to Central America, I couldn’t help but be envious. I loved travelling and often reminisced with her about my escapades in my twenties.
“Mum, you’re always talking about how you’d like to travel more. Why don’t you come with me?” she asked. I felt a thrill go through me. How many daughters ask their mothers to go travelling with them, even if it was only for a few weeks. Could I? I instantly felt guilty at the thought. I had so much going on, but I’d never really had any time away to do anything for myself. As I began to run through excuses, she stopped me in my tracks: “I’ve said you could come, now book your flight!” Five years ago I had a brain aneurysm and two years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had survived both, but that’s not to say they hadn’t taken their toll. It was a stressful time and trying to keep my business afloat with three children to think about was tough. Amid it all something my doctor said kept echoing in my head: “Right, we’ve just saved your life, now go and enjoy it.”
I was 52 and pretty sure I was going through a midlife crisis. Despite having a successful handbag business, I had lost a lot of confidence and began to question who I was. When I floated the idea to my husband, he said, “For God’s sake, just book it.”
I booked a flight to Guatemala City and, in May 2018, packed a backpack borrowed from my son and said goodbye to my husband at the airport. As soon as I got through security, I headed to a bar, ordered a gin and tonic and burst into tears. I didn’t know who I was or what I was about. Going on an adventure like this was both a release and overwhelming.
Denne historien er fra July 2019-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2019-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks