Lighhouses and Love

Just last night, I was awake in my sleep and checked my phone. There were lines from my beautiful niece. A set of sad lines saying how sad she was for me. How terrible she felt for me after reading a post in this blog. I felt overwhelmed.. By the care she showed to me.. By her concern she showed and honesty that she revealed. I felt guilty at the same time. It turned out that I post more real details on melancholic stories in this blog, but when it comes to happy stories, I used to posting vague stuff. Rarely did I post "happy stories". So.. here is one of that cherish lines,, for you my beautiful-heart niece. You are always be my favorite.

So... Three days ago, I was about to join my friend on a trip to 2-hour-by train and ferry up north Brisbane city, North Stradbroke Island for the third time if I made it that day. In fact, I didn't. I had to meet my supervisor to fix some stuff with my ethical clearance for my-next-semester research. I did it. I me my kind supervisor. He was so kind I felt guilty not trying hard enough for my own good. He is a real teacher who support his students. One of the best teachers I have in life.

Though I didn't go to the island, we did make another plan. I had suggested my friends to leave early from the island so we could go to the other site nearby the station, a lighthouse. Yes... a lighthouse.

This kind of building,.. I don't know exactly when it started, but I know for sure now.. I am so much in love with lighthouses. For me, it is like a mother to drifters. Whenever a wandering ships kind of lost on the sea, the beam of light from lighthouses is such a blessed-sign for the ships to dock to the land. It's a magical building that keeps land and sea connects in a magical way that I can't describe clearly. Besides, lighthouses are obvious buildings everywhere they stand. They will appear to be so clear with the background of clear blue sky in a sunny day. It gives hope in a gray dark sky in a stormy days.


I took a train and prepared the map and plan for everyone, so we could meet up at certain point then we could walk together to the lighthouse. Alas.. my friends missed the bus. I arrived at Cleveland station while they were still in the point look out at North Stradbroke island. That means, I had to wait for at least two hour until they arrive on ferry terminal in Cleveland. No way.. First, they would be so tired to walk 2,4 km one way to the lighthouse. Second, there would be chances that they would refuse to go and that means my trip that day was a messed-up plan. Then I decided to walk there by myself. One of my best decisions ever.. like ever..


I took a bus and asked the bus driver. He was so kind, just like most of bus drivers in Queensland I have met. Hey.. have I ever mentioned this before? I will definitely post something about their kindness.. ;)

Anyway.. he dropped me at the nearest road, not the real bust stop, so I could start walking to the site. Down the road I walked. I started to find clam and peaceful environment. The houses by the sea, the park.. benches and the ocean wind flew softly to my face. I can definitely remember how I couldn't stop smiling while walking. Benches and pathways.. The waves and lovebirds.. I bumped into historical buildings and trees.. Yup trees..




After 30 minutes, I finally arrived there on that site. The lighthouse was not as I expected. It is not as tall as I had imagined before. It is not as mesmerizing as I thought. However, I was so happy... that I could manage it to be there, all by myself by walking. Though it is not tall.. its simplicity shows grace. Its shape shows history. I was staying there taking some pictures and couldn't stop myself from smiling and sometimes jumping from happiness. I never knew it could feel so good..

I had a very long walk after that.. Twice as much as when I went to the site. There was a miss communication with my friends. I was walking to the ferry terminal thinking I will wait them and go home together. My bad.. They were already in the station. It means I have to another 45 minutes if I wanted to take bust to the station. No way. I checked the map and it said it only takes 28 minutes from the ferry terminal to station by walking. Whatever.. I have walked more than 5 km.. that would be not as much as what I had been through. There I go.. walking.. to the station. I finally arrived to the station and the joy I felt was so obvious to my friends. Isn't it like a journey of life Dinda?

Sometimes, you plan to be somewhere with your friends, but for some circumstances you end up taking different road that ends up to different places. You should never feel sorry for that. At the end, happiness is your own state. NO matter what you decide, what your goals are. as long as you are happy with that, you will be alright.

Everybody was happy that day,.. I think.

And I hope you are too my niece...

Be grateful for what you have. Do not walk the road that people decide for you. You own your own. You decide your own... Love you as always.

Your Alot..
Cut Monalisa