TRAVEL

The Maldives Diaries: Day One Continued

Island of compassion

Welcome back to The Maldives Diaries! Here’s a link if you missed the first article.

In the previous article I mentioned we were given a free room upgrade. This, after we already received an upgraded resort on an upgraded island. Here’s the story behind that.

My husband was recovering from a broken hip five months prior. In fact, we almost didn’t make the trip for that reason. He also has a neuromuscular disease called CMT, which causes a visible walking impairment. He shared with the reception host how thankful he was that we had a private pool, because it was perfect for his physical therapy. (All the villas have a private plunge pool).

The resort staff realized how hard it might be for my husband to stabilize himself on the sandy paths to the beach or to participate in activities. They offered to pick us up with the golf cart whenever we wanted to go anywhere on the island.

They wanted us to have a pleasant experience even if we couldn’t enjoy all the amenities of the island. As a result, they upgraded us to the villa with the nicest view on the island.

As you can see, there was nothing in our view but azure water, a few passing boats, and an occasional stingray. Motorized boats were prohibited near the villas.

The island offered many secluded spots to soak up the atmosphere.

There are four restaurants on the island and five dining “experiences”. We tried each restaurant. They never failed to impress! Each meal was a culinary fantasy, come to life! I’ll detail our dining experiences in future articles.

Maldivian dusk.

Night photo of the steps on the side of our villa, which lead into the water.

The last hints of blue before the sky sank into amber hues.

Island of Compassion

Most people think “fun” and “relaxation” in a paradise like this. Someone with a walking impairment thinks “Extra work and potential injury. How will I navigate the sand and the wet spots? Will my strength give out? Will I fall and break another hip?”

Spoiler Alert No, he didn’t fall a single time on the island. And yes, he did enjoy the beach!

Many of our vacations have come with anxiety and injuries. I’ve torn ligaments in my shoulder and sprained my wrist due to bearing his weight assisting him to walk. I would’ve extended the same effort in the Maldives, because I wanted him to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience with me.

I have no regrets, only treasured memories of physical struggles we’ve won and obstacles we’ve overcome. Each scar is a reminder that we’ve made it this far, and we continue traveling onward.

My husband has some paralysis in his limbs, but he has never been paralyzed by fear. If we allowed fear to defeat us, we would’ve never seen these gorgeous views.

A perfect end to a perfect day. An accurate reflection of the warmth of the island.

The world can be a cold place, especially when people need help. It can be humiliating to know someone is helping you merely out of obligation or because they want a tip. You can sense a person’s motive as well as their resentment. All I sensed on this lovely island was pure kindness.

The staff accommodated my husband in such a manner that warmed my heart. They acknowledged his daily struggles and tried to make his daily life easier. They saw a need, and they met that need with compassion. This trip restored my faith that kindness can prevail.

Exotic photos are lovely. Do you want to know what’s more lovely? The healing that comes from compassion and love. Extending a hand to another human in need. Seeing past religion and culture. Seeing beyond race. Beyond all barriers that separate us from loving one another.

Thank you for reading the second installment in The Maldives Diaries. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey. Stay tuned for day two coming soon! The best is yet to come!

Until we meet here again, I wish you all the warmth, compassion and love that life has to offer.

Update:

You can find Day Two Here.

Mia Verita, 2021

Mia Verita is a nurse, a traveler, and an advocate for people with disabilities. She enjoys sharing her journey with the world.