*originally posted on Facebook, March 8, 2016, 2 days before the end of our dream, 4-month trip:
International Women's Day, a day that I struggle with - sometimes I ignore it, sometimes I pay tribute. Today I tribute.
This change in our lives, and this trip, was partially sparked by an ordinary woman, a woman who toiled daily to raise her son, to help raise other people's children, to face her divorce with no holds barred, to guard her independence by every means possible. She loved fiercely, her fury was to be avoided, her friendships were deep, lifelong, and from every walk of life. She had no sympathy during a game of Scrabble, would have had Christmas decorations up all year long if we'd let her and she was very, very loved.
She was my oldest sister Kathy, who's 2nd round of cancer killed her too swiftly for words. She hated to travel, loved to be home, to be the center of all things family. Her death reminded me again that life is not fair, it's short, and to Carpe Diem.
A few years ago, she chose to celebrate her 60th birthday with us in Chelsea, getting on the train by herself, something that would have taken a lot of courage. She was already suspecting her 1st cancer, didn't talk about it, put on skates for the first time in years, we had so much fun together, enjoying each other walking, arm in arm, and I bought her red earrings that caught her eye as we passed a shop window.
I brought those earrings on this trip, her leather gloves too, to remind me not only of the power of her spirit, but as thanks to her for our last 4 months - 11 cities, planes, trains, buses, our feet and a camel. We land in Canada in 2 days' time.
To all these remarkable, ordinary women in our lives, you never, ever know who you will inspire, but it will be someone. That's power.
Comments received:
Lucy Daly:That made me cry the best tears! Hugs to you Sheila!
Bettina Ralph: Love you La la la!
Elizabeth Flanagan: lots of love a beautiful tribute
Laura Fowler-Massie: That made me cry too! xoxo
Jennifer Buttars: So beautiful, Sheila.Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt story of love and courage. Carpe
diem says it all.
Correne Giles-Letourneau:Thank you for being a remarkable ordinary amazing lady!
Andrew Leach: That was lovely. Thank you, Sheila. 
Sarah R Cox: You are spectacular Sheila Strickland. I love you!
Liz Philp Cheers to your sister Sheila and to the love you shared. I add that there have been many a woman thathas inspired me and proud to say I too inspire. Xo
Eva Cooper: Wow! I love what you wrote and the message that we can take and share with others. Safe travels back to Canada - sunny ways await you 
Robyn Wright-Baker Sheila you are truly an inspiration to us all. You have almost completed a huge check off
your bucket list which your sister I am certain is smiling and giving you a big thumbs up! I look forward to seeingyou and Mark at this years potkie festival in Stanbridge!!!safe travels.
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