Life Begins at 40- Jersey Jaunt

by Bethan Lewis

  Erin watched as her son pulled out his gift and tore at the wrapping paper like a little kid at Christmas. He held up the WW2 tank for everyone to inspect.

  ‘Oh mum, this is awesome. It’s the last one in my collection. Thanks.’

  ‘You’re welcome. I remember you mentioning a while back that you were hunting for one, so when I found it at the museum I knew it was the perfect gift,’ Erin said as her son embraced her and kissed her cheek.

  Leaving Dan and Marcus chatting, Lily followed Erin into the bathroom where they fought for the mirror as they touched up their makeup and brushed their hair.

  ‘Dan is charming mum, a real decent, down to earth guy. I like him, and I can tell by the way he looks at you, that he really likes you too. Marcus seems to approve too, which must be a relief. I hope it works out for you both.’

  Tears sprang to Erin’s eyes as she hugged her daughter. ‘Thanks love. To hear you say that means the world to me. It is early days, and we are still getting acquainted with each other, but hopefully it will work out.’

  Lily left the room and realising she was still in her interview clothes, Erin hurried to change into something more casual. She pulled on black jeans, a dark blue sweater and a pair of boots with a kitten heel, finishing off the outfit with a fine silver chain with a crystal heart pendant. Giving herself a final twirl in front of the mirror she grabbed a jacket and her purse and went back to the living room.

  Stood in the doorway she took in the scene before her. Dan was sat on the sofa looking relaxed as he laughed and joked with her children. Erin smiled, this was what she had wanted all along. Everyone she cared about was in the same room. Now she was truly happy.

  The light glinted off something white and Erin bent to retrieve the piece of paper off the floor. Her bucket list. Skimming through it, she was surprised to discover how many items she had crossed off on her trip to Jersey.

  Things to do:

  Travel the world

  Go on a hot air balloon ride

  Go on a canal boat (inspired by current location)

  Go on an air boat ride

  Get a tattoo (maybe)

  Swim with dolphins

  Take a moonlit stroll on the beach

  Ride a horse

  Watch the sun rise on a beach

  Write a book, and get it published. Wrote, and published a blog (almost the same thing.)

  Get married. (In progress. Met a man.)

  Make a ton of money

  Go skinny dipping (must go on diet first)

  Walk the red carpet

  Take a dance class

  Try caviar and oysters

  Visit a vineyard and go wine tasting

  Spend the day in a chocolate factory as a taster

  Sleep in a haunted house and go ghost hunting

  Do a charity walk

  She had crossed off six items all in one trip, seven, if she changed number ten to writing and publishing a blog, it was the same thing, wasn’t it? At this rate, she was going to finish her list in no time at all. She would have to think of some new goals to add. More expeditions to experience.

  She couldn’t wait for her next adventure, and she was glad that next time, Dan would be by her side, experiencing it with her.

  Turning forty had been her biggest nightmare, but things seemed to be going well so far. New man, new career. Maybe life does begin at forty.