Yesterday was a rough day. I felt emotionally drained by mid-morning and the day went downhill from there. Some random events triggered strong emotions and each one compounded on the others throughout the day. A few years ago I received incredible assistance coping with, and working through some trauma from the past, including childhood traumaContinue reading “Never give up”
Tag Archives: acceptance
Warmth
Moving back to Kelowna has its blessings. My son and I are able to spend more time together. After hikes with his two girls, Gia and Lacy, he often invites me to meet him at a restaurant or pub that allows dogs on the patio. Here they are resting beneath the picnic table. Gia isContinue reading “Warmth”
Last day in Germany
This is the pathway we walked at least twice a day for the past week. All along the route the boys were making big discoveries — remnants of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, sugar beet roots, sticks large and small, cow manure, large ruts of frozen mud — anything that grabbed their attention. Today wasContinue reading “Last day in Germany”
Final days
I took this photo yesterday morning to show to my good friend. He loves to walk in gardens and work in gardens, but is stuck in bed on the 5th floor of the hospital. His view from his window looking at the Hospice building. Occasionally he will comment on his blessings….he has a single room,Continue reading “Final days”
Serenity
Yesterday brought plenty of bad news, adding to some negative news from a few days before. I must seriously consider my future options and perhaps start to plan yet another escape from life as I know it. The photo above was taken on my way home from a medical appointment on Monday. It’s a reminderContinue reading “Serenity”
Mourning rituals
Today marks one year since my father passed away. It has been a tough year in many ways, but also a good growing experience. I started thinking about the mourning rituals I observed and participated in while living in Thailand. When my father-in-law passed away we held several days of evening services and meals forContinue reading “Mourning rituals”
Waiting for life to begin
On my way home the other day, I asked myself, “Why are you still waiting for life to begin?” I had no answer. Tidy piles of notepads, greeting cards, sketch pads and boxes of pens and pencils are stored in many cupboards and on shelves around the house. Blank sheets of manuscript paper are waitingContinue reading “Waiting for life to begin”
Peaceful encounter
This photo of Samantha and Toffee’s first and only encounter was taken just over a year ago, a month before Toffee died. Six weeks before Samantha died. For those who knew Toffee, this greeting was a shock. Any dog that was bigger than Toffee was viewed as a threat, and in his desire protect me,Continue reading “Peaceful encounter”
Receiving gifts
Yesterday morning these flowers were delivered to my door. Every month I receive a bouquet — a birthday gift from my children that lasts all year. Two years to be exact! Each month I look forward to receiving a bouquet, eager to be reminded of the love of family, and excited to see what theContinue reading “Receiving gifts”
Emile
Today is Emile’s birthday. He was my stepson, the very beloved son of Michael. Emile died in October, 2014. His father, Michael died in February 2010. I will probably never know or understand what made Emile give up on life. His father died of a brain tumour. They were close, though not overly close. IContinue reading “Emile”
Reflections 