Two days ago we celebrated mom’s 93rd birthday. A few family members joined for a lunch and cake at the care home. Mom is living with dementia and although she knows who we are when we show up, her short-term memory is extremely short term. In the two minutes it takes to walk from theContinue reading “Birthdays and fading memories”
Tag Archives: death
Foo
Foo has been a member of my son’s family for almost 15 years. On Tuesday Foo joined his best friend, Toffee, to whom I said a tearful and painful goodbye almost 4 years ago. Saying goodbye to a pet was as difficult for me as losing a family member. When asked if I will getContinue reading “Foo”
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”
Buried Boots
I signed up for a creative writing course. My choice of this course had little to do with the actual topic, but more to do with available time in my schedule and the fact that it was 100% online. We have had 3 sessions, with two remaining. The other students are so much more experiencedContinue reading “Buried Boots”
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”
Golden hour
The period of time before sunset is called “golden hour”. I didn’t know that until 5 minutes ago when I did a google search looking for the word to describe it. What did we do before internet? I remember the day when I was a pre-teen and the large set of World Book Encyclopedias arrivedContinue reading “Golden hour”
1 year
Exactly one year ago I said goodbye to Toffee. He was my companion and friend for just over 11 years. Toffee loved road trips. He loved walks. He was excited if anyone came to visit, and he would turn in circles when offered vegetables. My days are quieter now. I get up when I’m readyContinue reading “1 year”
Paw prints
I noticed these on my neighbour’s back steps the other morning. Cats stop by at my back patio every day, but I didn’t realize that they also explored my neighbour’s balcony. Evidence of the cat or cats will disappear once the sun comes up and melts away the dew. For many years I lived inContinue reading “Paw prints”
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”
Old photos
My daughter asked me the other day if I had any old photos of her in traditional Thai dance costume…so I searched. I searched through a box of old photos from the days before digital cameras and iPhones. The search took me very quickly through some fond memories of years gone by. Although no ThaiContinue reading “Old photos”
Reflections 