Sandra Gordon, 80
Meet Sandra, 80 years young, who has spent most of her life on Prince Edward Island. While her roots run deep in the vibrant soil of her homeland, she has always harbored a dream—to explore the island from tip to tip, visiting both its stunning north and south shores. Despite calling this beautiful place home, Sandra has never had the chance to fully discover its wonders.
Sandra's life has been a testament to selflessness and resilience. A dedicated nurse, mother, and caregiver, she worked tirelessly to support her family, even caring for her husband through his final days battling liver cancer. Yet, in her journey of caring for everyone else, she often wondered about the roads she passed and the places she never got to explore.
Now, at a stage where she hopes to pursue her own dreams, Sandra finds it difficult to drive and faces numerous health challenges, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, and severe spinal stenosis. These challenges have slowed her down, making it nearly impossible to fulfill her wish on her own. Despite having lived on Prince Edward Island her entire life, Sandra longed to visit and explore the serene spots she had only heard about.
Recognizing Sandra’s lifelong dedication, we reached out to Pauley Charter and Adventure Tours to help make this wish come true. Little did we know that Sonya, the owner of Pauley Tours, already knew of Sandra, as she is fondly referred to as "The HERO of Murray Harbour" in her community. Simply because Sandra is known for checking in on neighbours, offering support to fellow seniors, and ensuring that those around her feel valued and cared for. Sonya stepped in without hesitation and arranged a special tour around the island! With Sonya's guidance, Sandra was in the best hands, embarking on a journey that promised to be unforgettable. Sandra’s daughter Stacey was overjoyed to share this experience with her mom, and together, they discovered the hidden gems of her beloved island, with Sonya sharing fascinating knowledge along the way.
The tour was a dream come true. Sonya's expertise and the picturesque back roads gave Sandra a fresh perspective on her home province. From savoring fresh oysters to purchasing a new oyster shucker and a small ring as keepsakes, Sandra embraced every moment. Highlights included visiting Brakeley Beach, seeing the lighthouse at North Cape, and marveling at the majestic windmills—landmarks she had long wished to explore.
Since fulfilling her wish, Sandra has seen an increase in her belief in her ability to pursue other life goals and desires, a newfound willingness to try new things and explore opportunities, and a strengthened sense of support. She now realizes she is not too old to engage in the activities she loves.
Her community wholeheartedly agrees that no one was more deserving of this opportunity. After a lifetime of giving, The "HERO of Murray Harbour" finally took a well-deserved moment for herself, and in doing so, taught us all the importance of self-care and adventure.
Special Thanks: Sonya, and Pauley Charter and Adventure Tours
Photography - Naomi Claire Photography
