An invitation to tea, a phone call, a pathway to exploring the unknown. Having done this before, I should have known the score, but it was a fresh route and this time not mine to fully explore.

They say each experience is different, and I agree; they also say it gets easier. I disagree. To a certain extent it does, for you are familiar with the situation. Is it just because you have some experience? Each person is different; perhaps, they too are exploring the unknown.

The first time I was petrified, I had never walked the path before, my two hands were free but I had no control. I had the strong arms of my husband at my back; however, I feared that he too was exploring the unknown. Outside support was available too as I charted my new territory – the unknown.

It soon became familiar; a daily routine – no daily chores were now faced alone. I was happy I’d explored that unknown.

Before I knew it, I faced exploring an added unknown, another challenge, surrounded by others and yet for me, alone.

This time with only one hand free, the fear expanded, again I had little control. With family around me I managed to embrace it as I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Months of upheaval, a settling period again. Before long, I became familiar with the unknown. Daily chores were a little more challenging, although worthwhile and now, never alone.

Life had other plans for me; before long, I found myself exploring yet another unknown.

This time, no hands free for a very scared me, but this time I was far from alone. With my family around me, my arms learned to stretch out and despite the challenges, I was soon settling happily in a new chapter back home.

Now, I didn’t climb mountains, though there were mountains to climb, nor did I swim oceans, though my face often felt salt water through tears.

Thanks to my adventures of exploring the unknown, I wasn’t alone for years that passed with peace and happiness with the workload I was sent. Then everything gradually slowed. Comfort set in, as did the fear of change.

That call sucked me out of my comfort, without a doubt, a result of that invitation to tea. Exploring a very new unknown, like uncharted waters at sea. This time with both hands free, a slightly older me, excited, yet anxious. With no escaping their actions or escaping the fractions, for now our side of the family was half of a new whole.

For months I did strive and tried to revive talents I had from old. When the news came through of a generation new, it changed our world and our family fold.

Comfort set in with the joy the news did bring and I soon realised exploration has great value. Her little button nose brought joy on its own as it reminded me of her previous generation, my three. Since she was born, my heart has evolved, each day bringing a new adventure.

I learned there is value in exploring the unknown. Embracing the unknown has shown me a path to love and affection.

A lesson I’ve learned, times change whether we like it or not and sometimes our lot is not our lot.

One thing is for sure, we will learn nothing new, unless we go from the known to the unknown.