Wendy Clarke, writer and artist. Personal History (cont'd)

Our lives have been quieter since 22nd September 2000. Though we knew it was coming if she wasn't prepared to change her lifestyle, we've needed time to get over Michelle's death. Nothing could stop me writing, though, not even that. In fact, in some ways it's been both an escape and a catharsis. We're slowly getting back on track with our other activities too. There are so many things I want to do at least once, like paragliding, tandem sky-diving, or travelling around Western Australia (that's one state we haven't been to yet) - and we can't let her dying prevent us from making the most of our own lives.

Another favourite photo of Bob's, taken in Lae when I was sixteen. Click on the picture to view in more detail.

Our beautiful Shell (left) who died
on 22/9/2000, with our equally
beautiful and much-loved
older daughter, Belinda.

To sum up: now that our two surviving children are more-or-less off our hands (except, of course, when they need the ute!) and living happy, successful lives of their own, I want to make life the adventure it's supposed to be - a day-to-day joy-flight with a lot more ups than downs. Our fifteen-year struggle to save our youngest daughter has ended: not the way I wanted, but there's nothing I can do about that. She chose her life, and her death was a consequence of that choice. There's nothing to hold me back anymore, so together with my favourite person in the world (and who else would that be but Bob?) I intend to get everything I can out of the years ahead, and to achieve success as a writer along the way.

As with everyone's journey through life it's not all sunshine and roses, but I refuse to dwell on the negatives. There are too many good things to focus on; anyway, painful experiences are character-building; isn't that what they say? They also make good material for writing, and my main passion right now - after my husband of course - is my writing.