Hard realities of a vagabond lifestyle during sorrowful times...

As we walked outside between two souks, we spotted these newly dyed bunches of yarn hanging on this fence to dry.

In a perfect world, we could always be there for people we love when life happens. In the past 24 hours, a daughter-in-law's father passed away and a beloved friend has gone into hospice care in Minnesota.

Unable to be at their side, our hearts are heavy for their sorrow. We're so far away.

Tassels are a commonly sold item in Morocco often used in decorating the heavy drapery found in many of the homes.

We knew that when we decided to travel the world that we wouldn't be there for our family and friends during some of life's painful challenges, special celebrations and milestone birthdays as much as we'd like to be able to do so.

We purchased insurance that provides for the cost of traveling for up to $5000 in the event of the loss of an immediate family member. Tom has seven remaining siblings all older than he and I have two sisters, one older, one younger.

Mondays are less busy in the Medina as many of the shops received boxes of merchandise in order to restock after the busy weekend.

The insurance doesn't cover the cost of the spouse traveling along. Nor does it cover the cost in the event of a loss of an in-law.This is never an easy topic to discuss with loved ones. Tom and I realize that we have to face the eventually of sorrowful situations occurring and how we will handle them with us so far away.

On occasion, we review the possibility of these potential scenarios to ensure we both agree and understand on how we'll handle these dreaded circumstances to avoid stress. Also, should one of us have to leave due these scenarios, the other will be left behind alone in a foreign land.

Often products such as these offered for sale are placed on the ground in the Big Square.

An added element of angst in a family is when a plan is not in place for last minute decisions often resulting in unmitigated stress and disharmony among family members. We've all seen this happen, time and again.

As we continue on, we are faced with the loss of family and friends for which we have no insurance enabling us to be at their side during sorrowful times. With the high cost of last minute flights and the additional costs this could result in expenses easily into the $5000 to $8000 range or more.

Yesterday, it was pleasant to walking through the uncrowded Big Square to a pharmacy to buy shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and contact lens solution for US $11.20, MAD 91.

Wherever one may live, those we love may be living across the country or in our case across the world, leaving us unable to be at their side during difficult times. Few pensioners have the means and many don't possess the good health to be able travel during these times.

In our hearts and minds, we feel and share in their sadness and sorrow wherever we may be, as they strive ease their way through the grief laden times, hoping in time they'll come out on the other side filled with wonderful memories and peace.
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Photo from one year ago today, April 29, 2013, was not available. We'd posted at night in the dark as we traveled through the Straits of Gibraltar. This photo was taken the prior day:

This boat delivered what is referred to as a "pilot" to navigate the ship to the pier in Madeira
Portugal, where we docked for the day. For details of the story without photos on April 29, 2013, please click here.