Saturday, April 9, 2022

Encountering a whole range of experiences through many generations this week.

   Hello. We're holding our breath, waiting for the birth of our twin grand-nieces. It seems a rather tricky business, so we are praying the hours away, hoping that Mommy (Rheanna) & babies will be healthy & strong. We'll let you know. It's supposed to happen this weekend.

   Today, Larry & I attended the funeral of Jim Kidd. He was 68 years young. I am more familiar with his wife Suzanne, as she is a close friend of a few of my close friends. Suzanne went through cancer a few years ago, and I can remember being so excited to run into her, when her treatments were done, and she was feeling healthier & stronger, out an about. Suzanne has been a great support to me from the time of my diagnosis, until now. Her words of love and encouragement have helped me in ways she'll never know… or perhaps she does.  Her Jim also had cancer, so I can only imagine what a journey they've shared together. Their son Matthew painted a wonderful picture of Jim today, in his eulogy. To say a funeral is beautiful, certainly applies to today. The community of close friendships shared over the years, as well as the respect & friendship of Jim's work mates, brought a refreshing change, to the restrictions we've undergone socially, for too long.

  We had a great conversation with Larry's brother today, who is home from hospital with a terribly wrecked knee, which he mangled while golfing. He'll be off of that leg for some time. The most enjoyable part of the conversation, was hearing about what a wonderful & generous care-giver his son has been. Vaughn turned 15 this week and was having his birthday party today, taking care of several details himself, all the while making sure Dad was ok, as Mom was at work. Vaughn has always been a heart-melter. He called me after my surgery last year and wanted to hear all about it, comparing notes, from his experience of scope surgery for his appendix removal. Isn't it so refreshing to witness selfless, mature giving in a teen.

  I checked in on one of my aunties today, whose son came for a visit from Chicago, where he lives. They haven't seen each other since before Covid hit. It was so wonderful to hear the sound in her voice, as she shared her joy over the events of the past few days with him.

Yesterday, I met for the first time with a group of friends for dinner. We are called the WOW sisters. Named by the mother of the youngest of our group, when she met us and called us 'Women of Wisdom', after hearing about these 'wonderful old ladies' her daughter would jokingly call us.One of our WOW's is heading to Nebraska, to her son's wedding in a couple of weeks.Lots of excitement around all the details of that special event.

  So, my heart is very full, with emotions being provoked from a full range of experiences. I look forward to bringing you the news of the arrival of the newest members of our family.

  God bless you and your encounters with loved ones.  xoxo