In a blog entry on her website, Turia reflected on the pivotal day that reshaped her life:
“In September 2011, I found myself ensnared by a grassfire during an ultramarathon.
This is what remains etched in my memory.
I recall the scorching Kimberley sun relentlessly beating down, intensifying the pain on my already scorched skin.
I remember unintentionally sitting on a bull ant nest, staring in bewilderment as the ants began to swarm across my legs.
I remember attempting to drink water, only to spit it out due to its scalding temperature.
I remember witnessing fragments of my skin adhered to the rocks and spinifex.
I remember our small group, united. The guys working together to create some shade for Kate and me, a makeshift parasol crafted from fluorescent material illuminating against the sky.”
The blog post continued to illuminate the resilient bond between Turia and Michael, emphasizing her immediate thoughts of him during the ordeal:
“I recall thinking about Michael, my Michael. I kept telling myself, ‘Think of his warm face, think of his honeyed voice, think of his golden skin. Just keep thinking about Michael.'”
As a writer, teacher, and coach, Turia employs her blog not only to share her personal narrative but also to offer practical life advice to her audience. Her blogs cover a range of topics, from confidence-building tips to contemplating the most effective ways to dislodge a lodged LEGO from a vacuum cleaner.
In a Mother’s Day feature for Now To Love Magazine, Turia and Michael’s love story unfolded through photos. Michael shared with the magazine what he admires about Turia:
“She doesn’t want pity. She just wants to move forward with her life. She’s beautiful, incredible. Her energy is boundless. She cherishes the outdoors, loves the ocean like I do, and we were always active together.”
