It was something that kept repeating in my head: I need to get to Bermuda … And she did fall for it.
Of course she did.
It became one of her favorite places.
Credit: Courtesy of Matthew Monagan
The islands sparkling waters surrounding me on both sides seemed to wrap me up and take me in.
I could stay for hours thinking about things or not really thinking about anything at all.
The view here was, as with most inBermuda, beautiful.
Dhanushka Monagan
I wish she couldve seen this with me.
I did some things we did together on the island.
I drove to the famous Swizzle Inn to get a rum swizzle and watch soccer with some locals.
Dhanushka Monagan
I dont even really like soccer, but it was fun and lively and kept my mind busy.
I pulled up a stool to the Hamilton Princesss lobby bar.
It was for her 28th birthday.
Matthew and Dhanushka Monagan
It had only been a year since she was diagnosed, but the cancer had taken its toll.
We laughed while ordering a giant plate of mozzarella sticks one night.
We sat by the pool for hours on end.
Dhanushka Monagan
I hope that she did.
I also did some things that I know Dhanushka wouldnt have done with me.
Or maybe she wouldve, but subtly indicated she wanted to be elsewhere.
Baseball wasnt big in Bermuda (a shame, with fields so beautiful).
I tried to bike Bermudas old railway trail, which runs almost the length of the island.
I played golf at Port Royal.
And if you play in Bermuda, you have to play at Port Royal.
Many of the holes are right along the coastline and present spectacular, postcard views.
That day, back in 2015, we had it all to ourselves.
We even thought our future golden retriever could be named Cooper.
Not a bad name for a dog, right?
We always said it was one of the best days of our lives.
Every time I think of it, I think of her.
This time, I once again had the beach to myself.
I swam and then found a spot in the shade.
A few chickens popped up behind me, strutting in my direction.
I smiled, wondering if Dhanushka had sent them to keep me company.
The sunset was giving the sky a pinkish hue a color Dhanushka loved referring to as cotton-candied.
A cool wind swirled around me, kicking up fallen palms to give them life again.
It felt good to be back.
