DISASTROUS REAL LIFE
When Joyce Jackson, 79, from North Wales, went on a mission to scatter her husband’s ashes, she didn’t think anything could get in her way...
Stepping off the plane, I smiled as the warm air washed over me. ‘Ah, home at last,’ I sighed in relief.
Myself and my husband Gordon, then 74, were taking our daughters and the three grandkids to the all magical Disney World.
It was a special place for us all, having holidayed there for over 20 years.
The atmosphere, the magic, the colour...I loved absolutely everything about it.
Although I left the rollercoasters to the kids!
Gordon and I met when we were both just 13 – we were true childhood sweethearts.
We officially tied the knot on 26 September 1964.
And our first trip to Disney World was in 1995.
Despite it turning into a bit of a disaster – we were robbed at gunpoint in our hotel – we didn’t let it stop us from visiting again. And I’m so glad we didn’t. It quickly became our favourite holiday destination. By far our favourite spot was the Caribbean Beach Resort.
We loved the magic of Disney World
The staff were so friendly and professional – the resort felt like pure escapism.
So, when we both retired in 2009, I couldn’t wait to start going more regularly together.
Our last trip together was in 2019 – where we made memories that would last a lifetime.
And for Gordon’s 80thbirthday, which would’ve been in October last year, we planned another trip.
It was his favourite place, so what better way to celebrate such a special birthday than in Magical Kingdom? Only, we never did get to go on our special trip...
On 3 June 2021, Gordon and I went on our usual morning walk around Pentre Park when he told me he felt a bit dizzy.
‘Oh dear, hold onto the lamppost,’ I said, not thinking too much of it.
But the next thing I knew, I looked down to see Gordon lying helplessly on the floor.
It was as if time stopped still in that moment and everything happened in slow-motion.
Passersby rushed to help, frantically phoning for an ambulance while I was frozen in complete and utter fear.
But by the time it arrived, 30 minutes later, it was too late.
Gordon had fainted and cracked his skull – the nature of the fall meant that he never regained consciousness.
He passed away at 2.30am the next morning, at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital.
The paramedics were brilliant and were there for the whole family to lean on during that difficult time.
But the next few months were a complete blur for me.
Gordon’s funeral was on 21 June and with the help of my daughters, we organised a lovely service.
I requested ‘no black’ – just lots of colour to match Gordon’s colourful life.
