The Maldives wrapped us in Kindness
It was 2018. My husband had just died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. Our boys were only 10 and 8. We had planned to travel for a whole year, in 2019, a trip around the world.
The itinerary was cut out of travel magazines and stuck creatively onto our cupboard doors. Bright pictures of Machu Picchu, landscapes and cities we had dreamed of over the years; one endless summer spread across 4 wardrobe doors.
When Rob died, I knew there was no way that I would travel to South America on my own, especially not with two young children in tow. Instead, I thought about what we could do, just the three of us.
For years I had wanted to visit my Godfather on the Canary Islands – now was the time. He offered us one of his guest houses, which he had available for nine whole days. I was excited for so many reasons. I knew that with him I could feel safe in my rawest vulnerability. We would be well looked after and find much needed emotional shelter there.
We already had a pretty good list of places to go. I even asked my sons if there was anything in the whole world they wanted to see or do. My eldest decided he wanted to eat snails in Paris. My face froze in disgust, and France was added to the list. Well, I asked, didn’t I?
The dates my Godfather had available for us, left us with one week to spare from my planned departure date. What could be our very first stop?
So, off I went to the travel agency, to look at the large world map. With my left index finger fixed on La Palma, and my right one on Sydney, I tilted my head back slightly, whilst my eyes gazed to find an approximate midpoint between the two. “Maldives!” I exclaimed, overjoyed.
I remember being there at the age of 25, thinking “If I ever come back, I’d love to stay in an overwater bungalow!” It was the perfect place to wrap us in the island’s softness after the harsh reality we’d lived through. The ideal first stop of our trip around the globe.
Our itinerary was complete – and pretty close to perfect, given the hand we’d been dealt.
Seven countries in nine weeks.
We snorkelled in the Maldives, rolled in black volcanic sand on the Canary Islands, built a giant snow dragon in Salzburg, ate escargots in Paris (eek), caught the TGV to Frankfurt, and danced with Alex the Lion at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island.
I remember a particularly touching moment that happened in the Maldives. Each night we sat at a table that had two armchairs and a small couch, right at the edge of the water. We had taken turns, so each of us would get to enjoy the comfortable couch in the middle. And on the fourth night, my eldest chose a different table, closer to the buffet. It planted a smile on my face. He is a foodie, just like his dad. But I also noticed that the table was set for four.
The boys went to the buffet when the waiter came to take the fourth set of cutlery away. I burst into tears. It broke me. It highlighted the fact that Rob should’ve been there with us. Our wonderful young waiter was visibly puzzled. He had no idea what had just happened. And somehow, I felt the need to explain. I told him about Rob.
His response came with the most beautiful warmth and understanding – truly unexpected from a 19-year-old boy – which created a wonderful ripple effect amongst the staff. They had already been lovely beyond words before this unfolded.
And from that moment they all huddled around us for the rest of our stay. They entertained our kids, showed them how to create animals and pendants out of fern leaves, made them laugh, treated them like royalty, or I’d rather say like beloved family. It was deeply touching to witness.
It felt like they had created a bubble around us to keep us safe and cared for.
Three years prior to my husband’s sudden death, we had the deepest “what if” conversation, which became my lighthouse in my darkest hour. And I truly kept our promise: To create the happiest life possible for the boys, if something ever happened to either of us.
And who knew that some strangers in the Maldives could create such a warm welcome that went so much deeper than their well-known hospitality.
What a perfect beginning to our new chapter in life.
- About the Author
- More info
Marie Alessi is a Grief Alchemist, multiple bestselling author, TEDx and keynote speaker, and retreat facilitator.
When her husband Rob suddenly died from a brain aneurysm aged 45, Marie honoured her promise to create the happiest life possible for herself and their boys. That promise became the foundation of her work.
Through her writing, speaking and immersive retreats, Marie draws on her lived experience to challenge conventional perceptions of grief and guide others towards connection, healing and happiness.
Her work has grown into a beautiful Love legacy – one that continues to inspire her mission of Bringing Lightness into Grief!
