My eldest daughter, Manon, believes I have it in me to write a novel about my journey which will incorporate my journey through life. What made me the person I am now, that allows me to pick up and head off for four months overseas on my own. Manon has challenged me and will continue to push me to reveal all.

I’m not sure there’s that much to reveal however, she’ll keep prodding and we’ll see where this goes. I encourage anyone reading this blog to ask me questions. What do you want to know about me, about a place I visit – open book, let’s see what is revealed.

Manon’s Questions:

Q. 5 words to describe your identity now ….

Mother, Event Manager, 52yo, Matriarch (although my mother may argue this point), Carer

Personality: Independent, confident, compassionate, driven

I am the leader of the pack of a group of extremely independent women – my mother, two sisters, two daughters and niece who all strive to break down barriers and be dominant leaders.

Q. Why did you decide to pack up your life and head to Europe for four months, leaving behind your two children, family, friends, jobs etc?

It’s fairly simple – the opportunity presented itself, stars aligned, a cliché I know, however with Dana finishing high school at the end of 2015, my long service leave was due, my divorce is finalised, it was time to be me. It was time to step back, reflect on my life, the path that I’ve followed to get to this point. I need to find me again, see who I actually am now, when I look at my identity – I love who I am, I’m first and foremost a mother – this will never change!

Q. Why are you able to go?

I believe I have provided a great base for my girls to follow in my footsteps of being confident, independent women. I gave up my career as a paralegal and my life in Australia to follow Godfrey to Saudi Arabia. After 12 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, Godfrey joined British Aerospace based in Dhahran. Without a doubt, the biggest decision of my life was to join him.

Once we started a family, my primary focus was and still is my two girls – whilst I have always continued to work, the children were always my priority. Upon returning to Australia, I delved into other opportunities, it was difficult to maintain businesses with two children and Godfrey absent with work, so the businesses were closed down. I was extremely fortunate that I was offered employment at Somerset College, this way I could work and be around to support the girls at school and be a hands on parent.

I have given both girls a great grounding to launch their careers and now that the day to day care of them has passed, I’m now able to take some (well-deserved) me time.

Q. Are your daughters ok for you to leave?

I was very indecisive to start with – I wasn’t sure how my planned trip would be received. Once I had floated the idea and both girls wished me well (and subsequently contributed to my airfare) I knew all would be well. I had strived all my life to ensure I raised confident, capable women. I knew I had done that and done it well.

Q. Why are you ok to leave your daughters?

I guess the answer is the same – I have confidence in the girls’ abilities and have empowered them to stand on their own two feet. I’m sure they we will miss me although, it’s also another step in the learning curve for them. This will be the longest time I’ve ever been away from Dana and I know that both of them, will look out for each other. I also know that I have an amazing support network with my family. At the end of the day, I’m literally a flight away. I have purchased a ticket that I can change at the drop of a hat and can be home within 24 hours if need be!

Q. Have you thought about how we – Manon , Dana and Godma (my youngest sister) will deal with problems while you’re gone?

I love this question, I love that they include Allison into the mix. I’m certain with me out of the picture and not so ‘on call’, each of you will take a step back, assess the situation you may find yourself in and work through any difficulties yourselves. Ultimately I’m still only a call or email away. I fear I will have constant contact!