Living My Dream – At last Farewell
Again I thank you all for your concerns, prayers, emails and support and so many emails that I cant get to you all…, I dont want to single ppl out as you have been all so great and kind to me, but I have to say a few thank you’s to those who really made such a difference…MIL (jaycee) you know how much this meant to me…how I loved bringing Kruger to ppl, how I loved showing you my daily life..something I cant do in Doha…VVSG and M..you have gone out of your way so many times to help me, came when I needed you, been absolutly great friends, I will never forget you…Mavis, Green Widow, so glad that I met you too…I wish that you will have the courage, endurance and drive to do it as well..really think that you can! Annette (click click) for your help that day when it all fell apart…you have been great and is still great help to me now…With this my last farewell and also to tell you why I had to leave Kruger!
I have been quiet for the last 10days or so, giving many of you concerns and heartache…but, I had to fly back to Doha..and arrived safely after about a 2hr delay due to a storm…Im not a good flyer in good conditions…but a storm, I would rather stay on the ground, but today I had to take my chances as I really needed to get back home! I had a lot on my mind and needed time to think and put our lives back into perspective..hope you can understand that!
This will also be my last contribution to the Sanparks Forum…crowned Sanparks Champion of the year..I really needed to make it through…but then…I have done it…and I cant continue..and hope that the next one crowned can make you proud!
As we have been going to Kruger for so many years, I truly believed that I could make a difference in so many lives….but then….first the forums, who made me plan and realize my dream and then the blog…..became my life! A decision I dont regret…but a decision I wish I gave more thought to!
‘With this my last day in Kruger..and how the male lions performed….really needed to tell me something I knew but ignored…
These 2 beautifull males in the road…he gave me such sad look…and I should have stopped to look and listened…
And this one licking his lips….maybe telling me a meal was waiting at home…but then…
with his head in the trees/bush telling me there is no place like home!
So on the 22nd Jan at 2:00pm, my life fell apart and with that the feeling came that I have neglected my family…How many times did “Engel” call and I would say “Sorry Engel cant talk now as I have visitors” or…Sorry Engel cant talk now as Im busy with the blog….No matter where in the world he was, what the time difference was…he still waited and called!!! Megan is planning her wedding…and all I had to say to her was….”Megan, I dont have time for this, Im in Kruger to Live My Dream, not Plan a Wedding!!” How wrong could I have been as a wife and a mother!
Those, both Stephen and the girls that have supported me throughout were dissapoionted by me and I can only blame myself, no one else! All because I became so obsessed with Living My Dream, I failed to see what I was doing to them!
Believe me, this “journey” I set out on did change my life…I have been such a “hard” person believing in whats right is right, and whats wrong is wrong..but now I know that life is not like that..there is grey inbetween…No one is perfect…and learning a very hard way, realized not even me!
My decision to leave Kruger came as no surprise or shock to me, as I have known for a few weeks before that what I was doing to those who loved and cared for me was wrong as I did not appreciate the effort and loneliness they had to endure! Although I brought Kruger to you on an almost daily basisI have succeeded in Living My Dream, …but I have neglected to see the feelings and emotions of those so close and dear to me and today, I must say I have failed!
I hope that we and you can get strenght from my mistakes and take our and your lives to greater heights…and I truly do believe that you can “Live Your Dream”! Please learn from my mistakes..and make it work!
With that the last from me…
Go Well
Martie
Like
February 4th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Hi Martie,
Go well and be strong and don’t be so harsh on yourself. You made a choice to live your dream and I admire you for that. If it wasn’t for that, we would never have met and Mari and my life is richer for that. We miss you and think of you during this testing time.
Until later
Lekker slaap
N + M
February 4th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Hi Martie
So glad to hear from you again. I really hope you can make it up to your family and they will understand you. Luckily time heals everything. Ons sou die naweek saam gekuier het maar ek sal aan jou dink as ek more in die Kruger is. Gaan vir die naweek saam met ‘n vriendin in Letaba uitkamp. Sterkte ek hoop regtig uit my hart uit dat alles weer vir jou reg en beter sal uit werk. Dit is ongelooflik watter leemte jy in ons huis laat omdat ons nie meer die Kruger saam met jou kan beleef nie. Dit was voorwaar ‘n voorreg en belewenis om elke aand of oggend gou jou blog te lees. We salute you as the Queen of the Kruger. Keep it up and good luck to you and your family.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Hi Martie
So glad you came back to let us know that you are safe and well back home in Doha.
Life is not always black or white…there are also those grey areas. We learn from those and hope they make us stronger, more understanding and better people.
Personally I was shocked and saddened when I read your final blog and felt as though I had lost a friend. So, thank you for your time in Kruger bringing your sitings and news of the day and of course, those great recipes.
I don’t think, and I am sure many others will agree, that you did not fail. Maybe in the future you can use this experience to write a book!
Go well, stay safe and be happy again!
Kindest regards
Barbara Spence
Australia
February 4th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Go well Martie… I applaud your decision and you for having the strength to know what is really important
February 4th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Thank you Martie for sharing your experiences with us and thank you to your family for lending you to us to be our ears and eyes in the Kruger. I hope you can mend your relationships in time.
Wishing you all happiness in the future
Gemma
February 4th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Hi Martie
We appreciate your openness & frankness in sharing your inner feelings with us. Like others, who have already expressed the view, we salute you for your courage & thank you for making a difference to ours & so many other lives.
In an obtuse way, you have learnt a special lesson from those ‘sad’ male lions & in fact from nature itself…you can have a dream but you can’t live it on your own. Those male lions brought you to the realisation that your own family unit is what really counts in your life. Good luck in being reunited!!
In the bigger scheme of things, & when you reflect on your experience, you’ll probably realise that there is not much difference between 360 days in the bush or the 290 that you actually completed…an 80% pass rate is more than admirable!!
When we visit Kruger, your blog & experiences will always be with us…
Thanks again & good luck.
Warm regards
Leon & Sylvia Kaplan
February 5th, 2010 at 12:12 am
glad to hear from you. hope your family were glad to see you and that you made the decision to choose them over completing your stay in kruger.
perhaps, although you knew how much your family meant to you it took this extended stay away from them to show you, and them, just how much you need each other. sometimes we all have to do things we cant explain just to see the light
hope steven will enjoy all the meals you have perfected in kruger. hope wedding plans go well.
believe me you did not fail you just took a tempory detour!
linda – uk
February 5th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Living 264 days in Kruger paradise is not failure (many of us would give our left big toe for the privilidge). The fact that you left when you realized the damage you were going to your family means you are a success in life, not a failure!
All the best to you and your family. I thank them for sharing you with us.
Be well and always know what an amazing thing you did regardless of the number of days.
Dana Atkinson
February 5th, 2010 at 1:54 am
hi martie,
pleased to hear you are safe and well,as has already been said time is a great healer and i’m sure things will work out for you and your family.i thank you once again for sharing your dream with all of us and hope you have a wonderful future ahead for all your family.many thanks and farewell stu & toni
February 5th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Hi Martie
Thanks for letting us know the reasons behind your hasty departure.
Hope all is well in Doha, and enjoy your daughters wedding
Lorraine…Canberra
February 5th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Hi twin Martie
As you know, I have not commented publically since your last blog, as I was not wanting to intrude. Thank you so much for sharing with us & being so open & hospitible to us strangers.
I think I can say, just from the short 5 days we got to know you from the time we were neighbours, and from reading all your blogs, you are an extremely generous but most of all passionate person. Sharing that special dinner with you, on the night of your anniversary, with Annette (click click & Angie & us – we no how much you were missing your Engel, but you we so generous to us. All the time we chatted, you were always referring to your beloved Engel & your family, and even though they were not with you physically, they were definitely in your heart and on your mind. You have made many sacrifices in your life for your family, and I think that although you speak and feel as if you have failed them in some way, I know that they are very special & dear to you. You might have felt that you were neglecting them, but you were always listening for your phone, and quick to answer when your Engel called or sms’d to tell you where in the world he had just arrived or departed. I often thought how difficult it must be for you when you are home, to stay alone worrying about his safety as he flies the Quatar royal family around the world. In telling us your story, you showed us about how committed you’ve been in terms of working 2 jobs to be able to “live your dream” and how long those hours of teaching english were, and despite the tiredness, you did it for this goal. You moved your whole live to a foreign country, far away from your love Kruger, to allow your husband’s work, which also involves a lot of seperation from him due to flying all over the world – being apart for such a long time is never easy & we take off our hats to you both for making it work. We could see from your blogs, whenever your family were coming to join you in Kruger, we could hear your excitement & joy that they were going to be with you. We could see that you would have been happier if they could have joined you for your whole dream, but we don’t all have the same levels of “Kruger passion”, and you have also taught me a lesson in my life with my family, and the sacrifices they have made for me to be able to live my passion & dream. Life is about give and take, and in the past you have given, they have taken, you were taking & giving while in Kruger, and now you are giving again.
Please take it out of your head, IN NO WAY HAVE YOU FAILED – you have inspired so many of us, you have given of yourself, and we have greedily taken, and even placed pressure on you to deliver, and BOY did you deliver – your photos and experiences were WORLD CLASS – your honesty and openness and faithfullness to Kruger unmatched, and we can only thank you for giving so generously to all of us. You were so committed, despite stinky BLACK BUGS, lots of creepy crawlies, terribly slow/hanging connections, you would give of yourself, blogging late into the early hours of the morning, just to be able to share your dream, and to be able to “speak” with your family, who were reading & commenting on your blog. When ever anyone would come around, you would so welcomingly invite them in, offer them a drink & snack, GIVE of yourself.
To Stephen, Megan & Carmen
Thank you so much for even allowing your wife & mother to have the opportunity & priviledge to spend her time Living her dream, and sharing what was so special to her with us. You probably think we’re all half mad, but we share your Mom’s passion in that we love Kruger, and what God’s creation shows us of Him in it. We trust & pray that you will all be restored to a stronger unit as a result of this whole experience, and that you will all know healing where there has been hurt & pain. Megan & your prospective husband, we wish you every joy as you celebrate your your wedding later this year, and in this we hope you will know your Mom’s love & support for your.
You are very blessed to have such a special wife & mom, and thank you again for sharing her with us.
Martie – we will not forget this time and hope that your dream will continue to bring you joy, and that now you will continue Living Your Dream with your family.
Lots of love to you all
twin Marty, Brenda, Rebecca & Luke (MBRL)
——————————————————————————–
From: Marty Jasper
Sent: 23 January 2010 11:38 AM
To: Martie Goddard
Subject: Our thoughts & prayers R with u at this difficult time
Conversation with Martie Goddard
Me (10:59 AM):
Hi Martie
I hope I’m not intruding, but just wanted 2 let u know our thoughts & prayers R with u at this difficult time. Our hearts are really sore to read of the pain you are going thru. We really cannot thank u enough for everything u’v done & how special u R 2 us. We’re sorry that your dream has not ended on a real high note, but hope u will have gr8 comfort & pleasure in your memories, photos & new friends u have made. U have been an absolute inspiration 2 me, my family & everyone whose lives you’e touched, with your generosity & hospitality. I pray that what ever has caused u such sadness will quickly B healed, and that you will B able to know God’s comfort & Peace in you time of distress. I hope u will still read the book about Brenda’s mom, and hopefully it will too have a message of healing & restoration for you.
It is very difficult to live in the public eye, and invite the world into your own life, and I hope nothing anyone has said in your openess has caused u this pain.
We will really miss u, and have been already since we left Kruger/Satara and hope u will not forget us.
Love to you & Engel, and all your family
If there is anything we can possibly help u with 2 make your situation improve, please let us know
God’s riches Blessings & healing Power
Your friends twin Marty Brenda Rebecca Luke (MBRL) Jasper
February 5th, 2010 at 6:00 am
Hi Martie
Thank you for sharing with us and I am sure we are all happy that you are back with your family and hope that your relationship with your husband and daughters will get back on track.
It is strange how a small thing can change ones life and make you realise what is more important to you (just like you realised when you saw the 2 male lions that your family are more important to you than living your dream).
You did not fail us or yourself. You are a very brave and strong person and I think we all know that you and your family will be one big happy family again.
Marty has really spelt it out for most of us.
Go well and my prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Kind Regards
Dawn (Johannesburg)
February 5th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Hi Martie,
Thank you so much for letting us know that you are alright and giving us this beautiful farewell blog. Your lion pictures tell it all. I have always said that life is what you make it. You lived your dream and you shared it with us, the number of days is not important – for that I say thank you for sharing. You have not failed but made the right decision. Your husband and family are important, you planned your dream for a year but your family are forever
.
It was a privilege to have spent time with you on your birthday. I think on that evening it was very hard not having your family with you, especially Engel. We were already worried about how you were coping, so far from home and loved ones. But, you were the ever gracious host who displayed her love for Kruger and the people who shared your love and at the same time you spoke so lovingly of your husband and children. You unselfishly carried on bringing us the blog when I think your heart was bleeding to be with your Engel and to be part of the planning for Megan’s wedding. I knew when we said good bye to you that all was not well. A few days later we saw “Shattered”
Ronnie and I wish you all the best for the future. Your greatest life dream is your family – enjoy, they are precious. Make every moment count each day. Your Kruger dream will live on forever with you and with us. Thank you and good luck.
Tibby and Ronnie
February 5th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Dear Martie, thank you so much for letting us all know that you are ok and hopefully back on track with your family and your dear Engel. I dont think there is much more one can say that your “twin” Marty has not said. You have been a star to us and yes one could see that it was totally consuming you “as it was us” the bloggers. It was a great pleasure to have met you in Oct and we are really proud of what you have achieved. To Stephen thank you VERY MUCH for letting this happen, and so sorry that it came this.We sincerely hope that everything works out for you both. Kind regards Chrissie & SO.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Thank you again Martie, for the many days of pleasure you gave us. I read the blog daily and discussed it with my co-workers and family and showed them your photos! Although some of them did not read your blog they all followed your adventures and tried many of the recipes (with great success). Through the past days since you left I’ve had constant questions, “How is Martie – has she written anything again?”. Thank you for bringing us closure as we now know you made a brave decision for which we applaud you. You have meant so much to us all – I wish I could give you something back! But we all wish you everything of the best for the future and happiness with your family. Oh, and a lovely wedding!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Hi M
Thank God that you are okay and back home safely! Life has its ups and downs and we need the ups to enjoy and appreciate the downs! Key learning for all of us is to realise there is a difference between urgent and important. Please focus on the joy of your experience and not the sad part! After all – life is all about choices and it includes where you will focus in terms of your dream. Let us all focus on joy as that will bring us peace!
Thx for your time and effort. That is what we will remember for ever and we will not allow an abrub ending of a dream to overshadow all the good memories. May you and your family go well and may God’s peace accompany you. Always remember you have achieved A LOT!
Blessings
DAS
PS: You may keep in touch. Email makes the world a small place!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Hi Martie!
So glad you’re OK! Please know that you haven’t failed, you brought us all tremendous joy, but you knew, in time, where your priorities lay, GOOD FOR YOU!!! Please keep in touch. Regards Julie
February 5th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Martie you have not failed one of us, your family always come first. Glad you have let us know what the problem was and the Dreyer wich you all the best.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Hallo Martie,
We’ll keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts. It was a pleasure meeting you and by the grace of GOD, maybe we meet in Kruger again in future, stranger things have happened!
Love,
Gerhard and Family
February 5th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Hi Martie
Thanks for sharing your dream with us. Don’t blame yourself for giving it up to be with your family. Blood is thicker than water and through your experience we all learned a lesson. You are a courageous woman to live your dream, all on your own. But more so to admit that what you want is not the most important in your life. Your family needs you more than anything in this world. You are the perfect wife and mother. Unselfish, loving and caring. And thank goodness you made the decision to return to your family before its too late and losing everything that is so dear to you.
Martie, enjoy the upcoming wedding of your daughter. That alone is an experience never to forget and I’m sure your daughter appreciate the fact that you are there for her.
We miss your blog but surely not as much as you must have missed your Engel. One day, when you are ready, you can start on your book about your KNP experience and don’t forget the cookbook!
Go well and who knows, this may be not a farewell, just a goodbye!
Regards
Andeon & Gerrit Viviers from Benoni
February 5th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Hi Martie
Thank you thank you, Marty has said it all . Go well and God Bless you as you go through this time that may be very dark but the light will shine again.
Take Care
February 5th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Hi Martie
Thank you once again for sharing your dream with us. You brought joy to thousands of people all over the world who were unable to get to Kruger as often as they would have liked to. Sharing each and every day with us is an achievement on its own, as I dont think many would have done that.
You had the courage and conviction to get up and do what you dreamed of doing instead of wishing every day. In my eyes that makes you a winner, not a failure.
Thank you to Stephen, Megan and Carmen as well for allowing Martie to share a bit of her / your life with so many.
You are all special.
Take care and dont become strangers, the forum is still alive and kicking.
Regards
Glen
February 5th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hi Martie,
You are not a failure, just needed to adjust your priorities, but you have made many people very happy with your blog, and that is NOT a failure. Glad that you could get back on track with your family – most important in this day of stress and trauma. You did live your dream and spent more time than most in Kruger doing what you enjoy.
Thank you Stephen, Megan and Carmen for lending us your wife and mother for so long – we all appreciate it, she is a very special person and deserves lots of love. We will never forget Martie’s Blog, and hopefully she will have the time one day to write it all down and produce a book, which I am sure will be a best seller.
All the best Martie,
Jean from Pretoria
February 5th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Hi Martie…. go well…
NO ! you don’t failled … you take now the best decision for your familly and you.
Martie, never, nerver I’ll forget ours meetings, and especially the meal, THE MEAL we share Stephen, you and me
It was so important, for me, to meet a Lady like you… when I was alone (me too) for a long time
anne-marie
February 5th, 2010 at 9:41 am
Hello Martie, What a wonderful surprise this morning – I open the blog every day just in case. I think that your “twin” Marty has said everything we all need to say, and I “ditto” each and every word he said. We will miss you ……. thanks very very much for 264 days of absolute magic reading. Looking forward to ready you book …. please. Goodbye, Wendy.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Hi Martie,
So good to hear from you. Once again thank you for everything.
Just a note to tell you that you did not fail, just a lesson.
I am an old women and want to tell you that, yes you are a mother and wife, but you also Martie. I do not know all the details but sometimes we as mother and wives are just that all our lives.
You were entitled as a person to try and do something for yourself and what an achievement it was. (you touched so many lives)
So please know that allthough things did not work out you still made the right decisions otherwise you would have always wondered and resented the fact that you could not do it.
Keep well and stay strong and know that you in our prayers
February 5th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Hi Martie,
Thanks for letting us know the reasons for your departure, I have been so worried about you.
As has already been said, you definitely didn’t fail.
There was no way you could have known how difficult or testing on family life it would become until you tried it.
And I am sure the experience you had of “Living your dream” will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Take care
Regards
Elsa.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:30 am
REALLY SO HAPPY YOU ARE WELL!
BE BLESSED AND THANKS FOR THE AWESOME OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF YOUR TIME IN KRUGER.
IAN
February 5th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Hi Martie,
So glad that all is well with you.
I agree with Marty whole heartedly. (Thanks Marty for putting into words what I couldn’t)
YOU have not failed any of us.
I also agree with you – family come first. I often wondered, while reading your bolg on a daily basis, what it must be like to live a whole year in the Kruger, and then I would stop myself and think I could not do it without my girls being with me.
I hope that your family love you even more now that you are home.
Enjoy your daughters wedding, and sure you will make a beautiful mother of the bride.
Thank you for everything you did for all of us while you were in the Kruger, and for letting us know you are ok.
Lorna
Durban
SA
February 5th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Hi Martie
I am just so glad that you and your family are ok. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us, not just today but everyday you stayed in the Park.
I totally agree with you though, Family does come first! Whats wonderful is that you still managed to Live Your Dream. Don’t forget you implemented the goal yourself of 1 year so you are in charge of changing that goal to however many days you want. You can now say that “Your Dream was to spend 264 days in the Kruger, and you did it!!! You have some wonderful memories (and pictures) to carry with for the rest of your life to share with your family and your grandchildren some day!
I can’t Thank You enough for what you have done for us and you are going to be sorely missed.
Anything interesting happening in Doha that you can blog about??? Hehehe
All the best for the future to you and your family, amd what a wonderful family you have!
Cheers
Jenette
p.s. Still consider doing that book okay?
February 5th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hallo Martie
Dankie dat jy vir ons een laaste keer geblog het. Ek wil net vir jou sê jy het nie gefail nie. Jys ‘n ongelooflike mense en om ‘n ma en ‘n vrou te wees is mens altyd die minste. Jy het vir een keer in jou lewe besluit om iets te doen omdat jy wil. Daar is niks verkeerd nie. Ek verstaan dat jy opgepak het en jou familie gaan by staan het. Mens se familie is al wat belangrik is en hulle het jou nou nodig nes jy hulle nodig het.
Jy het nogsteeds jou droom uitgeleef. Maar partykeer besef ‘n mens nadat jy die droom uitgeleef het, dat jy nou ‘n ander droom het. Die droom kan dalk nou wees om jou man en dogters te help. Ek glo dat om in die natuur te wees maak ‘n mens humble en dan verlang jy na almal wat jy lief het en begin aan allerhande goed te dink. Moenie so hard op jouself wees nie.
Die natuur het baie vir jou van jouself geleer en partykeer is die moeilik om so diep binne mens self te kyk. Maar vertrou en glo asb. aan jouself !! Gelukkig het jy nog jou gesin en hulle is so baie lief vir jou.
Kyk mooi na jouself en ek hoop eendag as jy hierdie kant toe kom dat ek vir jou Addo kan gaan wys.
XXXX
Marilize, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
February 5th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Dear Martie,
Sometimes we have to fail to learn, and then the failure turns into a lesson. So, even failures are positive. Thanks for letting us into your life; I hope that the immense positive impact you had on our lives, negates some of the negativity you might be feeling. Please know how much your sharing meant!
It sounds like you have a wonderful family who appreciates you. Enjoy being with them again!
All the best,
George (@Hong Kong)
February 5th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hi Martie
Sorry it has taken us so long to respond – On holiday in Australia and not always able to get Internet connection.
We hope that all goes well for you and your family. It must have been hard for them, missing such a wonderful, caring person.
Thanx again for your fascinating reports from ‘the best place on the planet’ – they have meant so much to us.
We are sorry that our paths did not cross when we were in Kruger in November.
We wish you all the best for the future and hope that you and yours prosper in good health.
Best regards
Alan & Elaine.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
God bless Martie,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers these past weeks. You have given so many of us so much pleasure. THANK YOU.
Don’t flay yourself too much, I am sure the decision to have your year was not made by you alone.
You are a strong woman and will get through the dark clouds.
May your life now be full of love and happiness.
GOD BLESS
Carol Geoghegan
February 5th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Liefste Martie
Dis regtig wonderlik om te weet jy is ok.
Moet jouself nie blameer nie jy is net mens, met baie liefde en passie …vir jou gesin, vir die natuur, selfs vir vreemelinge op jou pad. Mag alles wat mooi is vorentoe op jou pad besaai word.
Nogmaals vreeslik baie dankie dat jy jou droom met ons gedeel het.
Baie liefde
Ramona
February 5th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Dear Martie
We are very glad that you and your loved ones are all well and OK. You will be truly missed in a lot of homes all over the world, but we will get us to it. After all it’s not the end of the world. Marty has said it all. It is true that a Mother will always put her SO and Kid’s first before thinking of her self. And yes you did make the right dicission (very sudden) after all it’s for the right reason.
You make a lot of people happy on a daily bassis, and they will find something to do with there spare time. (Forum, I did) You know where to find us when you are in SA. pop in any time, maybe for the world cup. Pls send our love to the family.
All our love
Chris, Thea, Paul & Bianca Romans
February 5th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Such a relief to know that you are well and sure you will be able to heal the rift.
Thanks for letting us know as everyone was extremely worried about you.
Thanks to you and your family for allowing us to be part of your dream which was so loved by all who read it.
Go well and all the very best
February 5th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Hi Martie
Thanks for getting back to all of us, this could not have been an easy time for you all but the sun will shine again for you. Thank you so much for the wonderful blog and pictures, you really brought such joy to us Kruger fanatics.
God bless.
Regards
Verieta (Uitenhage)
February 5th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi Martie.
Thanks for living your dream.
Thanks for helping us live a little dream with you.
Thanks for sharing all those pictures.
Thanks for taking the time for your blog every single day.
Thanks for including us all.
Most of all – THANKS FOR BEING YOU.
Now take time for your family and all the very best.
THANKS!
Joan
Uitenhage
February 5th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Martie
Thanks for letting us know you are safe and back at home. I certainly miss you and your wonderful stories. I just wondered if your many followers would be interested in getting ”back into the bush” on the Wildearth link. The Wildearth team take us on live safaries every day and I really enjoy them. The safaris take place twice a day in Djuma Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands, which is adjacent to Kruger. I was lucky to discover Wildearth when I returned home after my last trip to Kruger. This is the link and I hope many of you enjoy the experience : http://www.wildearth.tv/static/wildearth/channels/we_safari.html
Kind regards
Carol
February 5th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Hi Martie
It was a great privilege meeting you. You are constantly in our thoughts and we pray that you may find strength and be given guidance.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Hi Martie
So glad you let us know how you are. We miss you terribly. Still check the blog everyday “just in case”.
Not much more to add after everything Marty said except thank you to for sharing the last 264 days with us. Thank you also to your husband and daughters for letting you Live your Dream.
Don’t forget your yellow ribbon when in the Park next as you never know our paths may in the not too distant future.
Keep well and thanks once again.
ANGIE
February 5th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
What a pleasant surprise too see your name again. At one stage I was beginning to worry about the ‘reality of your dream’. Was this huge reaction to your blog really what you anticipated and wasn’t it becoming an obstacle. We all loved reading your blog, it was fun meeting you in Pretoriuskop and now we miss the blog, but what a blessing that you realised in time what is most important in life and for that we congratulate you. Take time with your family and get distance from all this and you will be looking back at this venture as such an enrichment of your life and a lesson for all of us with whom you have shared your dream.
Mooi loop en groete van ons.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Wow what a roller coaster ride it has been since that fateful day arrived. I was truly worried that something awe full happened to one of your loved ones…Glad you are home sweet home.
You exceeded more than you can imagine, and have truly inspired many ppl to get out there and live their dream.
Thank You.
Groetnis – Mag jul God se liefde aanvoel in hierdie tyd.
February 5th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hi Martie
Thank you for the feedback, we have been watching the blog daily. I am glad that you are safe and hope and pray that all is solved.
We are missing the blog but respect your decision. I am sure that the Ktruger is now lodged in our hearts and will be visited more frequently.
We are looking forward to a BOOK!
Thank You
Kuiergat – Alberton – RSA
February 5th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hi Martie
Thank you for sharing the reasons with us.
I received this a couple of days after you left and thought it may be appropriate.
30 SECOND SPEECH BY BRYAN DYSON (CEO OF COCA COLA)
“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them – Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the Air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.
But the other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass.
If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.
They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”
WORK EFFICIENTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS AND LEAVE ON TIME.
GIVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & HAVE PROPER REST.
Everything of the best to you and your family.
Tomorrow is the start of the rest of your lives.
Kind regards
Richard
February 5th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Dear Martie
Thank you so much for all the giggles, daily news and amazing photos. I’ll miss you so much. I agree with all the others you gave us hope to live your dream. We have only one go at this life there is’t a ‘undo’ button we can press and change things. I truly hope this will not be the last time we hear from you and that a book will follow soon. My daughter is also getting married November and I know how important it is for her that I’m there. Not even to mention my husband and other children. I’m going to Kruger in March and will write your name in the sand and I will do this for you each and everytime I go there just to remember the one person who “Lived my Dream”. My tribute to the most amazing wonderful lady who risk everything to bring us “our dream” Look after yourself and thank you again.
Warm regards
Charmaine – Kempton park South Africa
February 5th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Go well, Martie. I understand you and I hope everything goes to the right. Many thank for all you have written and done. God bless you and your family.
Edith from Germany
February 5th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Hi Martie
Thanks for everything.You really brought Kruger into our houses.Your twin Marty has said it all.Look after yourself & write that book.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Hi Martie
Thanks for your farewell note – We can all be a bit more relaxed now that we know you are safe.
Wishing you (and your family) everything of the best. Martie you inspired us and showed each and every reader of the blog that it is truly possible to live your dream…
I would just like to add: we salute you Leopard Lady , go safely on the paths of life.
Keep Well
Regards
Lily (Kempton)
February 5th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Amazing – Martie you were in the park for 264 days and there were 264 comments on your blog in response to “Shattered”!
Anyway – my best wishes too – you will get through this with flying colours I am sure. And thank you for letting us all share your dream and live our own through yours – it was very very special for so many of us – worldwide!
Good luck!
Linda, Pretoria
February 5th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Martie, I am so glad that you are well. I can only say, don’t be to hard on yourself. We are people and we make mistakes – but the good thing from a mistake is that you can fix it up. Which ever way you look at fixing up what ever went wrong just remember that you have to be happy with the end result and that is the most important part. RIchard put it so well.
Happiness is not in our circumstances but in ourselves. It is not something we see, like a rainbow, or feel, like the heat of a fire. Happiness is something we are.
Dont give up, and remember in the end all will work out well, and if not, it is not the end yet.
Thank you for being part of my, and bringing the Kruger to my pc. God loves you.
Be blessed, you and your family.
Best wishes
Marie from Springs SA
February 5th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Hi Martie,
We are so glad to hear you are OK. I think you made a very BRAVE decision to Live your Dream and bring Kruger to all of us, and I think you made an even BRAVER decision to leave and go back to your Engel and family and get back to normal. We so appreciate all you have done to bring Kruger to the world and especially the way you did it, in your own style and under extrememly difficult circumstances at times. And I also thank VVSG and Mari for their input helping you whenever they could. We will always remember you, Leopard Lady, for all you meant to us! Words cannot say THANK YOU but there you are Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You certainly never failed us, but now you get on with your life with your loved ones and ENJOY and CELEBRATE LIFE! Good Luck with the Wedding plans. Love and God Bless from Delene and Blackie in East London. We will never forget you.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
PS for Fathima,
If you can, Secretary, please let us know how many hits in the 264 days Martie’s blog had. Maybe you could comment here, just curious – I’m sure it will be guiness record! Thanks, Delene.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Ditto ditto ditto. Dankie dat jy vir oulaas teruggekom het om te verduidelik wat gebeur het. Mooi loop.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Hello dear Martie,
I have said it before and I’ll say it again … you are one of a kind!! Always know that we have the greatest respect for you – you are open, honest, sincere and without any pretenses.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your dream with us. Although your time was cut short, it had such an impact on so many lives that you must not for even a single second, think of yourself as a failure. You are SANParks Champion of the year and it is well deserved!
With this I wish you and your family everything of the very best.
♥ and hugs,
Elma
February 5th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
so glad to hear that you are ok and thanks for sharing your reasons with us. Family is so very important and we all need to learn that .your blog was fantastic thank you for all your hard work that you shared with us take care Phil
Ps cant wait for the book it will be a best seller
February 5th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Hi Martie, thank you for sharing your dream with us. I am truly glad that you and your family are safe and that the reason you left was not due to a traumatic event. Enjoy being back with your family and good luck with all the future plans. Perhaps you and Engel can do this together when you both retire, so will start checking the blog again in about 20 years! Until then…..
February 5th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Dearest Martie
Thank You,Thank You,THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For for Sharing your DREAM with us.
You ENRICHED our lives from beginning till the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and NOT a Failure.
We also wish you and your family everything of the BEST!!
Elsa & Jean Taute Bloemfontein
February 5th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Hi martie, Thank you for sharing you time in the Kruger with us all, sure all will get sorted over time with the family and enjoy the wedding at the end of the year. Looking forward to that book and all those lovely pictures in print. (It will be a best seller i’m sure) Thanks again. Take care Bev
February 5th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
what a nice surprise to see a post from you today Martie.
thank you for the brave decisions, and then also for letting us know.
family are first!
and even though you will still be spending a lot of time alone with your man flying and your girls elsewhere, you are closer and accessible to your loved ones, and it is so so important.
your “twin Marty” said it (almost) all.
I think the “confirmation” if you like was from Richard – “… but the other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”
it made me think about my family and how I behave around them! I am going to take a leaf from your book and try change things slightly!!
as you strive to return to Doha-mode and back to work and less bush and rain and bugs, but more love and company and hugs, know that you are well-loved in this corner of cyberspace and beyond
keep your spirit – you are unique and amazing JUST AS YOU ARE.
you are a wife and mom, but also YOU ARE MARTIE.
thanks to the family for sharing you for so so long.
sterkte as you get back in to the swing of “life” in a home that you never moved in to yourself – nor packed up for – and in an office where everything has changed too
WHAT AN ADVENTURE.
enjoy and be strong.
you are a success.
you touched lives in the most incredible, yet simple way – by giving of yourself.
however, we will live and manage and miss you.
and we will think fondly of you whenever we are in Kruger, or whenever we spot life on the webcam
but we will be ok – if you are ok.
special love, hugs and blessings to the Goddard family.
be strong and be good.
God bless.
Heather Cohoe
Rooihuiskraal
Centurion
February 5th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Hi Martie, Thank you for a wonderful blog living my dream. I had the oppertunity to have met u in person at Tshokwane 13-1-2010. All the best for the future and living u’r dream in Doha with u’r famaly. Thanks again. God Bless
February 5th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Martie and Engel
Ek wil net se Baie Dankie vir alles, jy is so n denamiese vrou ek dink jou familie kan Baie trots wees op jou. Ons het elke Blog geniet en dankie vir al die fotot’s ons het baie geleer van jou en sal jou altyd onthou. Aan Engel Baie dankie dat y jou vrou vir ons geleen het ek hoop julle kan deur al die pyn werk, die lewe is so kort vergeet en vergewe en he net mekaar Lief, moenie dat die duiwel wen nie glo in die Vader daarbo en werk aan julle Liefde. Ons glo en Bid vir julle. Geniet makaar en Martie ek hoop jy sal vir ons fotos stuur van waar jy bly sal graag weer van jou hoor.
Albert and Shirley
February 5th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Hi Martie, Glad to hear you are safe. Thank you for your time, your story and the wonderful photographs. Stay safe with your family. God Bless
February 5th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Dear Martie,
I am glad you are safe back home and reunited with Engel. Your decision was not a failure but came out of your heart and you did the
right thing. We cannot thank you enough what you did for thousands of Kruger fans. How thrilled we were all the time to read your blog
and to look at your phantastic pics!
We keek you in our hearts and pray for you. Also a big thank you to your family! Enjoy your daughters wedding.
Keep well – we will not forget you!
Warmest regards – Ursula/Switzerland
February 5th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
This sad yet beautifull story would be an Oscar winning film “Thorn between love”! Martie after making a success of your marriage with the love of your life, Stephen, and raising your girlls to the verge of letting them fly into their own future, your unshelfish Mother’s heart, the love for your family, called you back home from living your dream!
During the time spent in the Kruger you blessed so many people around the world, thank you. Your fantastic photo’s, your passion for nature and everything in it, got me hooked on your blog daily. I sure am sad that you left, but glad that I had the previlege of “meeting” you. Now I know that dreams can be lived, and shared and enjoyed by others too! Thank you so much, you are one super Lady. Hope your photo album and the recipebook will still follow! God will bless and enfold you in His love.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Hi Martie,
Thank you for everything! Your dream would only have been a failure if you did NOT realise how important your family are to you. God bless you all!
Regards
Louis (and mother)
February 5th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Hi Martie,
Everything that has to be said has been said by your ‘adopted family” the forumites and it only leaves for me to say a very big personal thank you for the joy you have brought to me and my family during the many months that you brought Kruger into our homes through the blog.
You are an amazing person and one who got her priorities right when it was needed most. Families, and being a part of a family, are the most important things in our lives and we must cherish each and every member of the family. You have realised that and, with God’s help, are well on your way to mending whatever personal problems you feel need healing.
Stephen, thank you for sharing Martie with us for awhile and Megan, we all pray that you have a wonderful wedding and that you and your husband are as blessed in your future lives together as your mom and dad.
Love Chip
February 5th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Hi Martie,
All I want to say is thank you “leopard Lady” I salute u and and your family.
Sanet
February 5th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Ons bos vriendin,
Martie baie dankie vir jou verduideliking al is dit net sodat ons nog meer vir jou en jou familie kan se dankie vir die wonderlike 264 dae van vreugde wat jou gegun is.
Word heel deur God se genade and dra mekaar met liefde!
Jou kamera lens het ons almal so baie van die bos en natuur geleer, dankie
Ek dink dat ons almal [blog vriende] sal kopers van jou boek wees……
Groete en vrede vir jou en jou gesin.
Magdel, Johannesburg
February 5th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Hi Martie,Thankyou for letting us know that you are OK! You deserve to be in the Guinness Book of Records – you did something that no female (on her own) has done!!! Hey, I miss your daily blog and all but your family comes first, always!!! No-one will say different!!! Martie I am going to Kruger for 8 nights 15th 16th 17th Letaba, 18th 19th 20th, Satara, and 21st and 22nd LS!!! Will be thinking of you all the way and will try and do a trip report when we get home!!!! Will travel all your roads and say Martie was here!!!! I believe Wacktazz will be job hunting during that time – so I missed all the good times, but will go the Tshokwane and chill for a while and talk to the guys!!!! Martie, have a very happy life and my one regret is that we did not have the chance to meet!!! Will always remember how you filled my life!!!By the way my grandson is nearly 4 months old!!! Where did the time go?? Martie, God bless you and Steven and your family, your lovely girls, be happy and healthy!!! Will miss you!!! Go Well!!!!! Love Sally and Wally Reed
February 6th, 2010 at 1:28 am
Bye the way your blog sounds so horribly final!!! I’ve just read it again!!! I certainly hope we hear about or from you again, you can’t just disappear from our lives like that!!! (sorry, just feeling sorry for myself, and my blogging every night!!! – selfish Hey???))) Will miss you terribly!!! Not only your sense of humour, but your recipes and most of all your beautiful pics!!! God Bless you and Stephen!!!!!!! Be Happy!!!!! and that’s the last you’ll hear from me, otherwise every time I read your last blog, I will have the urge to say something else!!!! Ciao Martie!!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 1:32 am
Hi Martie,
Another year over and with lots of memories I guess.
It was wonderful to meet you at Crocodile Bridge at november 21th…last day of our trip.
I just finished my TR and just mentioned our meeting.
Hope you do well and who knows we meet again …
Great blog…lovely to read all.
regards Aat and Elly
the netherlands
February 6th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Hi Martie,
Thanks for letting the readers know, your resons for returning home !!!
I think we were all pritty worried about your health.
We had months of great pix and stories.
You will be missed, till we meet again,Thomas,Vancouver, BC…..home of the Olympic Winter Games …2010
February 6th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Hi Martie
Good to hear, all is well with you and that you are back home again ,we are all really missing your daily entries and pic,s of the place so dear to our hart”s,you really should consider doing that book and in that way you could relive {Living my dream} . Just a thought, I think if you had gone and done the north of the park ,say during the school holidays, when there were more people around and when you were maybe not so lonly,as was the case at Marula, lots of hours spent by yourself reflecting on what you are doing and weather it was the right thing to leave your famil;y and live your dream. Anyway it was the right thing to do,to go back to your family and good luck with the future.I am sure that some day we will bump into you in the Kruger again, because if you have that place in your blood ,you will keep going back. Its the sort of things that you and your dauthers saw on Christmas Day that will keep you wanting to go back for a little more .
Anyway best regards
Lots of love
Tim,Mel,Cody and Tanna
Margate
February 6th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Thanyou Martie,
Anne D x
everything I feel has already been said. You have left your print on us as well as Kruger. I wish you all the best and we hope to hear from you again when you’re next in Kruger.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Glad to hear there was nothing too seriously wrong in your life. Homesickness is very painfull. Hopefully someone else can complete a Year in the Park.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Dear Marty
I have been so busy myself that I have to admit that I have not had a chance to look for your new blog until this morning – with tears rolling down my cheeks again, I read your Farewell message. From the time I first discovered your blog I have so enjoyed reading all about your Dream as you have lived it.
When I met you in person at the end of October I discovered what a wonderful, strong and caring person you are and over the months, through continued blogs and comments, you have crept into my heart. When I was told about your Dream Shattered I felt quite sick and now with your Farewell blog I hope that it is not the end of our relationship – I hope we can keep in contact through Email because, to me and so many others, you will always be Queen of Kruger, SANParks Champion and a good friend.
Twin Marty said it all. I really loved the speech by Bryan Dyson which RichardJ sent you – how very, very true. I am glad that you have made the right choice and put your family first – that is where they belong!
As your good friend VVSG said – “Go well and be strong and don’t be so harsh on yourself. You made a choice to live your dream and I admire you for that. If it wasn’t for that, we would never have met”.
Now I have to get back to my packing – yes, I am selling my Dream House and moving to another flat – I don’t know which way to turn with all the sorting, throwing out and packing that I have to do. I wish I could take myself off to Kruger and leave it to somebody else to do for me – like you did !!
God Bless you and your wonderful family and I hope all the plans for Megan’s wedding fall into place.
Love from,
Mavis “Green Widow”
From Rustenburg – North West
February 6th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Hi Martie,
Your ‘twin’, Martie, may as well have taken the words out of my mouth. I agree with everything she wrote.
I hope and pray that your family unit is back on track and that time will heal you all.
From my side, I appreciate what you did, for our benifit, and trully hope that you and yours are okay.
Love and my very best wishes.
Maureen J
February 6th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I want to thank you for all the pleasure you have brought to us and all our friends. We were always there every day waiting for your blog. Enjoyed it so much.We will miss you. Please publish a book of all those wonderful photographs, we want so much to buy it. Thank you again, so much. Benita and friends and family.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Hello Martie!
So happy about the news from You!!!!
Everything has been said. Thank you so much!!
“WE REGRET MORE THE THINGS WE DIDN’T DO THAN THE THINGS WE DID DO” !!
I will never forget you!
Madeleine
February 6th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi Martie,
I’m so happy to hear from you!!! Thanks for every joy you brought to our lifes.!!
Enjoy the future and you will always be remembered.
God bless
Gretha
Mokopane(Potgietersrus)
RSA
February 6th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Dear Martie,
you will always be my Kruger friend, you have enriched my life in so many ways, and made me realise that if I don’t DO something to live my dream it is not going to happen. Life is short, we must live it to the full! Thank you for living your dream and letting us share it with you, what a privilege to know you…
The birding weekend you blessed me with last weekend in Lower Sabie was just amazing (I think I’m into birding now!) and I’m going to miss you so much at the cricket weekend in Skukuza in March! Remember – you will receive what you give, so be ready for the blessings that’s coming your way… stay positive, speak only positive words, you did not fail anything, sure you made mistakes, we all do as no one is perfect, but more important is that as soon as you realised it, you did everything you could to correct it, not worrying about what people would think or say!
Hopefully a lot of people have learned from your experience and put their own priorities straight already, so the negative was turned into a positive. The devil will not steal from you! Stand on God’s Word! “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 AMP)
You should seriously consider a book, even if it is mostly a photographic journey as your photos are great, just look at all the requests! Those pics of the lions on the last day is WOW!
I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers,
Annette
February 7th, 2010 at 12:27 am
So glad to see so many Christians who love Kruger!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Martie
Ons sal jou nooit kan vergeet nie. Jy het vir ons n’ lewe daarbuite gewys wat vele mense se harte geraak het.
‘n Lewe wat ons met groot waardering getrou gevolg het. Ons is werklik jammer dat jou eie lewe daaronder moes lei.
Ons glo en vertou dat dit met jou goed sal gaan. Dankie vir al jou harde werk en opoffering.
Sterkte!!!!!
Sandra
February 7th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Hi Martie ,
Nice to hear from you . I sure you took the right decision and will not regret your choices .
Not so easy to live your dream when you have a whole family waiting for you .
Thanks for having shared your dream with us , i wish you all the best for the following .
Anne-Catherine .
February 7th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Dear Martie,
How could I do it – after 264 days in Kruger, reading your blogs on a regular basis and I still spelt your name wrong – I don’t know what I was thinking when I commented yesterday – so sorry, please forgive me Martie.
Annette (click,click) thanks for your Christian quote – that was the very verse the Minister read when my late husband’s ashes were sprinkled at Pafuri in 1995 – keep it in your heart Martie.
God Bless.
Love from
Green Widow
February 8th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Dear Martie,
Its all been said! Thank you, Thank you, thank you. God bless.
Rita JHB
February 8th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Hi Martie
Dont be so hard on yourself, and trust me, when i say, Engel and the girls, are def your priority and they will always be there for you, life is too short to live with regrets, you have touched so many people’s lives so i dont think “failure” is due to you.
Take Care
Ayesha
February 8th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Hi Martie
Just want to say, glad you’re safe! Good luck with everything! Don’t worry, we all make mistakes in life, but we also learn from them, and so we get up an go on. I really hope that you and your family have a blessed life together, all the best for the future!
Also: You did not fail, you lived your dream and shared it with all of us! Although you did not complete the year, you were such an inspiration. Don’t ever let yourself believe that you have failed, you are an amazing person!
Regards
Junette
February 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Everyone has been so worried about you so thank you for letting us know why you had to leave.
So very glad you chose your family over compleating your stay in Kruger, it was a no brainer choice. Kruger will always be there for you to enjoy – with your family!! Good bye and good luck Martie.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Hi Martie
Thank God you are OK. You can see from the responses above how worried we all were about you. That just shows how much you had grown in our lives and how much we cared about you. Your sadness made us sad. We all kept checking your blog for days to find out if you were OK.
Martie, we will surely miss you. That just shows what a success you were. Well done on what you have achieved. You will be able to look back on this experience during your years ahead and I’m sure your fond memories of Living your Dream will fill you with pride.
You have set a great example to us – even giving it up because of the value of your family.
Well done Martie !!!
Oliver (Johannesburg)
February 8th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Hi Martie,
Just a thankyou to add to all the comments, will miss u at the cricket this weekend-was looking forward to meeting you.
All the very best,at the end of the day family is everything.
Regards,
Meercat-Randburg
February 8th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Dear Martie
You shared almost a year of your life with us and we are greatful for that. Now go and share the rest of your life with your loved ones.
“The Lord bless and keep you and your loved ones
“The Lord cause his face to shine upon you and your loved ones and grant you and your loved ones peace”.
Go in peace
Cedric
February 8th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
What else can I say – every one’s reply sums up all the emotions we felt when you had to leave in such a hurry. Thank you so much for allowing us to read the “Final Chapter” of living your dream. Keep well and enjoy your family now that you are together again.
Alles van die beste op jou pad vorentoe!
Theresa
February 9th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Hi Martie,
I gotten so behind with all your blogs that I was shocked to my core about you leaving your dream. It was an honour to have met you in Pretoriuskop last year having a beer and talk about family and wildlife. You kept us all intrigued with the sightings and truly you are the leopard queen as well.
Good luck with the wedding organising and everything else. Know that we all send you love to you and your wonderful family.
Lowveld greetings,
Marlet (Fanta)
February 9th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Hi Martie
-Thanks for the update-
I got so caught up in your blog and what you saw every day that I forgot that you’re a real person with real feelings, and therefore I want to apologize. It just emphasized to me again that family is so important! We will never forget you and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. By “Living your Dream” you lived “Our Dream”. I thank you again!
LOL
Melissa
February 9th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Hi Martie
Just got back from the park and yes missed you. Thanks so much for bringing the park into our homes like this. I think you have enspired a lot of people to do what they believe in (with knowing the pifalls). Rebuild your life with your family and enjoy them.
Totseins (LOL)
John and Sue
February 9th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
To Martie and Grasswidow(Engel)
Thank you for allowing all to come into your lives as if we were there. It was a pleasure and honour to meet Martie in LS even if it was for one beer and a chat (and to disturb ur nap) but for us it put a personal face to the cyber one. Your stories were fantastic, your pictures were awesome and most of all you were able to share your emotions with those faceless people out in cyberspace. We salute you for your courage and wish you all the best going forward with those you love the most. Hope to see a book of stories/pictures soon.
Thank you once again for changing our lives.
STERKTE
Philip and Janet(Randburg)
February 9th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Hi Martie
Ek weet jy voel dat jy ge-”fail” het, maar ek dink jy het eintlik n’ groot sukses behaal. Vir n’ begin het jy besef hoe baie die wat naaste aan jou is beteken, en jou droom opgegee om weer aan hulle die waardering en liefde te gee wat hulle nodig het. Iets wat baie van ons eers besef wanneeer dit baie te laat is, en ons hulle klaar verloor het a.g.v. ons eie selfsugtigheid. Wat jou tyd in Kruger aanbetref, jy het so baie van ons se daaglikse brood geword, en kan ons jou nie genoeg bedank dat jy so getrou elke dag Kruger na ons toe gebring het nie. Om nie te praat oor hoeveel van ons jy ge-inspereer het om ons eie drome te leef terwyl ons nog kan nie. Wie weet wat more bring? Ons hoop dat jy en jou familie julle droom gesamentlik kan leef in die toekoms, en dat die liewe Vader julle sal seen in alles wat julle mag aanpak.
Weereens dankie vir elke oomblik en herrindering wat jy saam met ons kon leef en ons saam met jou. En vir die rekord, ek het jou mos gese ek het van dag een af alles ge-print wat jy ge-”blog” het. En met die fotos wat ek hier en daar moes kleiner of groter maak, het jy n’ totaal van oor die 2300 bladsye geskryf. Dit wil gedoen wees vrou!!
So sterkte en als wat goed is vir jou en jou gesin!!
Dan & SO
February 9th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Hi Martie,
I’m so glad for you! A sudden awareness is one of the greatest things one can experience, I think.
And the good thing about it is that once you are aware, things can only go better.
I wish you all the luck!
Margriet (Belgium)
February 9th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
100 comments!!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hi Martie – hope things are already improving for you and you are well on your way to ‘normal’ life again. I know you said you have posted your final entry- but is it not possible for Fathima to post a final list of stats regarding number of people, different countries, comments etc – just for interest sake? Go well
Carolynn – PE
February 10th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Still checking
Just in Case 
February 10th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Martie, thank you so much for updating us – we wish you all the best and every happiness in the future. You are a very special person. With love Sue and Ellie UK
February 11th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Hi and to everybody who reponded …fantastic I wish I could get the address to some of you to correspond but anyway my version is that there is always to site to a story …i.e. you winnthe lotto very nice but all of a sudden you get a lot of friendsss…so your experience had also two side but YOU have GAINED …When I get visitors and take them to the parc I DO NOT use aircon (I don’t have one anyway )and why …people must appreciate what they have and not necessarely what you can get …You have had
a incredible experience and as suggested ..write a book. You will appreciate you family even more BUT they will also “love” you more …Good luck in the future and thank you for sharing your “ups” and “downs”….
Michel
February 11th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Would have loved to meet you! the blog is just not the same without your daily comments. Would love to see photos of that wedding! We have only seen you with a hat on. what about a nice family photo on the wedding day – it seems like we all know you in any case so we might as well share the experience with you! May your family always remember that you have touched the hearts of many people across the world, but it is our turn to miss you just as much as your family did this past year. Thanks for sharinig your mom and wife with us! she is a special lady…. not many like her around.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Dear Martie
Thanks for the final explanation. Life is one big journey of decision-making and we respect your final decision, although we all feel much poorer as a result. You have really brought the inaccessible to many greatful individuals – once again, thanks a million for all your hard work on your exceptional blog!
Phil & Susan
Pietermaritzburg
February 12th, 2010 at 6:08 am
Hi Martie’
Failure is not knowing when to change what is less important for what is more important, and pursuing the lesser priority to the detriment and eventual destruction of sanity! Life is a continuous journey of decision-making through evaluating what is current, matching it with principles, goals, dreams, and making the correct adjustments timely in order to avoid eventual catastrophy. You did exactly that! How couragious of you and how proud your family must be of you. You redirected a selfish ambission,from the viewpoint of your family, for the greater calling of family unity and love, how exemplary and compassionate!
it is true that dreams never come true if you neglect to bringthem into being, but, some dreams fly too high, maybe 6 or 9 months would have sufficed. Too many of us succumb to the modernday ratrace of living on the edge and having to stre—–tch to achieve andbecome accomplished, but how many burn out and even commit suicide as perceived failures along the way – it is absolute idiocy!! So, Martie, be proud of what you achieved in terms of your dream and be greatful that you found an even more important dream to pursue – that of bein the best wife and mother (and shortly to be, mother in law – take the importance of MIL’s presence in your life as a guideline)
As always, GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!!
(Onthou, ek het ook Goddard bloed in my are en beskou myself as ‘n: iewers langs die weg verwante).
Fondes love,
ALAN
(Alan Lennard Arnold Norie – Sen)
February 15th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Martie -
Glad to hear that you are home with Stephen.
You are in my thoughts and I truly miss you and your wonderful ‘dream’. Each time I an in Kruger I think of you so much. Thank you for being such a special friend – one that I will never forget. My prayers and thought are with you and your family.
Go well and God bless.
Norms.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Hi Martie
I am so glad that all is well, you are with your family and that is great, although you could not complete you dream, family must always come first.
After meeting with you and finding out that we share the same surname Goddard, I am going to look up my family tree
you never know what I my find
I really miss you blog, THANK YOU for sharing your dream with us.
God Bless and Good Luck to you and your family
Cheryl
February 25th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Martie
)
Still missing you soooooooooooo much!
I hope, in the meantime you regret nothing you did for living your dream!
( Weekday like before… the familymembers live their lifes…Martie suits…
For me you are and will always be a special kind of a heroine!
Respect!
Love
February 27th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hi Martie
Hope you still read some of the comments. Glad to hear that your only problem was your family and hope that by now you have put your life back together again. You will still be the “lucky loepard lady” to us. Thanks for all your time spent doing the blog – it is much appreciated by all who read it. We are going to Kruger in April (which was booked in April 2009) and should you like us to bring Kruger to you with pictures we take in Kruger if you give us your e-mail address in Doha we will do this for you. Our e-mail is adnic@telkomsa.net
All our love to you and your family.
Ada & Nic
March 9th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hello Martie
You cannot imagine, how much i miss your comments, your humour, your energy, your spirit…! ( sorry for beeing so pushy), but i ( Frangipani) think, my life became “a cheers” poorer without “Martie’s Blog”
All the best and thanks again for all the diamonds you have sharpened for us!
Love
M
March 15th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I tried to follow your story from the begining and wish now that I was told about your blog a long time ago. Reading your daily comments you sound so much like my mother…………….. I wish you all the very very best, I hope now that you have followed your dream you will settle and give back the time you have lost with your loved ones. Good luck – God Bless.
With warmest regards
Trish
March 17th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Alles van die beste Martie en dit kos ‘n groot persoon om foute te erken, nog ‘n groter persoon om dit reg te stel !
Dankie vir al die postings en foto’s.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Hi Martie
You are such a wonderful, unselfish person. Thank you for sharing a portion of your life with us. It was such a pleasure meeting up with you and bumping into you from time to time (my children once accused us of stalking you – joke!!), we had a good laugh at that, but then it was inevitable as we are Krugerholics!! Your time was right to go home to your family and ditto to all of the above comments especially Twin Marty!! Enjoy the time with your loved ones and all the very best with you and your daughter’s wedding plans!
Take care and God Bless you all!!
Fond regards
Wendy & SO (Terrance) & Family
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:06 am
Martie,
Miss you’re blog although it was yesterday two months from the day your dream shattered. Went to Tamboti and Satara the weekend of 12 – 15 March 2010 and were talking about your blog most of the time.
March 25th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Martie, I must say I admire you and job well done! Good luck with all the plans and your future. We will miss you!
April 8th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Hi Martie
Don’t know if you will still find this post, but can you please send me your e-mail address?
I work for the Lowvelder, the local newspaper in Nelspruit, and would like to do an article on your adventure. Just heard about it recently.
Please drop me a mail at catharina@lowvelder.co.za if you’re willing.
Regards
May 18th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Hi Martie,
Still thinking of you, and hope to one day hear from you again. To open the blog and see something.
Hope you well. You must still have lots of photos you can share?
Keep well!!!!
June 23rd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Martie , you are still missed. I am so glad to get you on face book you are a treat.Thankyou for allyou meant to us .Good luck with your new venture. Love di
August 19th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Hi Martie,
Still checking to see if you wrote something else.
Miss you