Tag Archives: death

Aug7

Thursday Musings

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Thursday Musings

The other day I was talking to a friend about how our lives have changed since Covid. While I don’t hide inside, I don’t over program myself the way I once did. One activity goes on my calendar a day. Then whatever happens…well, it happens.

Today is August 7th and the activity on the calendar was book club. We met at a park near the Pybus Market in Wenatchee and had a lovely picnic. We had a beautiful view of the river and the boat launch which added to our enjoyment.

But the day was far from over. After a delicious lunch and lively discussion of books, Joanne and I were off to Cashmere. We volunteer at the library for kids’ events. Today was the party for the end of summer reading program. I helped the kids make party poppers. They then went to another area where they got to play games with their party poppers. There were also other tables with more crafts for the kids to make.

After the party, we wandered over to the Methodist church for a community dinner. I met new people and even invited one of them to attend the next meeting of our writers group in Wenatchee.

Last stop was Bath and Body Works at the mall in East Wenatchee. I love my Champagne Toast! It has replaced my all-time favorite of Warm Vanilla Sugar.

It’s after seven and I’m finally home. And it’s reflection time.

On August 7th, 1992 I lovingly held Kelsey in my arms when he took his last breath. He’d led a happy and healthy life until then. Although it’s been years, I still think of him often. And I imagine him surrounded by other furry playmates up in doggie heaven.

Jun6

Hug Your Kids Tight

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Hug Your Kids Tight

Last week a horrendous event occurred here in the Wenatchee Valley. It wasn’t an accident. It was cold-blooded murder. While I don’t personally know the family involved, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by this senseless tragedy. Actually a myriad of feelings fill my head. Frustration that an amber alert hadn’t been called immediately when a distraught mother reported that her ex-husband hadn’t returned her three daughters after a custodial visit. Anger that the father had done the unimaginable. He had murdered his three daughters. Compassion for the mother deprived of the opportunity to watch her children grow up, sharing in their joys and sorrows. And fear because this dangerous man is still at large.

While today more than ever people are encouraged to seek professional help when mental health issues arise, they are often reluctant to do so. Sadly sometimes the resources are not always readily available. There is also the danger of a misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The system definitely has its flaws.

Wild speculations about the circumstances that led to this horrific event fill Facebook, fueled by the fact that the father was a veteran who had served in the military. This isn’t a time for Facebook gossip. This isn’t an internet soap opera. This is real life involving real people.

Instead, this is a time for prayer; for the mother, the three little angels now in heaven, and even the father.

Jul17

Where Were You?

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Where Were You?

Where were you on Saturday when all hell broke loose at a rally in Butler?

We were out at Lake Chelan, sitting by the water. It was peaceful and the shade was a welcome respite from the stifling heat. We watched boaters out on the water. We saw swimmers on the beach. It was a very relaxing time before joining the steady stream of traffic headed back to Wenatchee.

At home the TV news was shocking. Wild speculations about this moment in history were voiced on social media. Whether this was a legitimate assassination attempt or a well orchestrated publicity stunt gone wrong on the part of Trump’s team, the fact remains that one spectator is dead and two others were injured and hospitalized.

Such a traumatic event has no place in our society. It is despicable. When innocent bystanders become victims, doubts about our own safety haunt us. Whether we viewed this horrific event in person, live on screen or on the numerous replays, our lives have been impacted in some way.

Growing up in Canada, I always marveled at how much more colorful American history was compared with Canadian history. But it’s getting far too colorful for me.

Jun19

A Tough Week

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A Tough Week

“And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” James Russell Lowell.

June stopped being my favorite month of the year decades ago. And this week is one of my least favorite of all.

June 17th. Ten years ago on that date I had my second knee surgery.

June 18th. Eleven years ago on that date I had my first knee surgery.

Of course Sunday was also Father’s Day. My dad died back in 1977 so it hasn’t been a day to celebrate for me in a long time.

Today is June 19th. On this day back in 1996 my mom died. And on June 21st we buried her.

Nope. Definitely not a great week. But I do try to look at more positive things, like going to Tai Chi classes and going to writers group. Those will be my highlights this week.

Last night Linda told me she’d reserved tickets for us for Leavenworth Summer Theater. That’s also a positive for this week. Joyce and I went for a lovely walk on the Apple Loop Trail again over the weekend, so that was another positive.

There’s always a silver lining in every cloud. You just have to look for it, although sometimes it’s harder to find than other times.

Have a great week out there!

May27

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day

In the USA, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May in remembrance of those who lost their lives while in the U.S. Military. Quite frankly, I expected people to swarm the cemeteries but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. Most people don’t work and it’s a popular day for barbecues and parades. I decided that it’s time to learn more about the history of Memorial Day.

The first public ceremony held to honor soldiers killed in battle was back in 431 B.C. This took place in Greece after the Peloponnesian War.

One of the first Memorial Day events held in the USA was back in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War was over and newly freed slaves had good reason to celebrate.

The original name was Decoration Day as soldiers’ graves were decorated with American flags and flowers. Those honored were soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Union General John A. Logan called for May 30, 1868 to be an official day of remembrance. It didn’t signify the date of any particular battle but was to honor those who died in all wars.

In 1950 Congress passed a resolution asking the President to issue a proclamation that Americans should observe Memorial Day as a day for prayer of permanent peace.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and provided a three day weekend for federal employees. However it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

In 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. At 3 pm on Memorial Day Americans were asked to observe a moment of silence.

Flags are displayed at half-staff until noon. The flag is then raised to full-staff.

Another tradition is that the President place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a site honoring all who died fighting for their country. The President also delivers a speech.

That’s today’s American History lesson.

Have A Great Sunday!

Sep18

Maybe Morbid

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Maybe Morbid

If thinking about death or dying makes you uncomfortable, then don’t read this post. Read an older post and wait for the next one. Or read someone else’s blog post. Just don’t read this one.

The other night I had a really strange dream. I dreamt how I was going to die. Isn’t that weird? Not exactly the dream you want to have or even remember. But I woke up the next morning and all the details were still there. The people who were with me. The place where I was. And how I was about to die. I’ll spare you the gist of it but it was a rather violent death. Although the time of death was rather vague.

Normally I try not to think about death or dying. But as I get older, I seem to be surrounded by it more. And especially when Covid hit, and I lost a few people I knew to that ugly virus. Each year I return to Washington state from Mexico and find out that friends have passed away. I also read the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturdays and recognize names in the obituaries as well.

I was talking to a friend the other day whose stepmother is dying. I found out that a former bridge partner passed away. And I’m sure there are more than a handful I don’t even know about. Just last weekend at the 9/11 service in Cashmere, I was reminded of all the people who died because of terrorism.

When I was in Winnipeg over the summer, I went to the cemetery to visit the graves of my parents as well as other family members. I can’t get over how that cemetery has expanded since I was last there five years ago.

However there’s also a positive side to dying. Surprised? I’m referring to how summer is ending and flowers are dying. I view it as fall is approaching which means that those gorgeous, colorful leaves will soon be here. Fall is my favorite time of year, especially here in Washington. My tree in Cashmere is already beginning to change color and I can’t wait to see those spectacular red leaves again. Last year I was already back in Mexico when that happened.

My final comment on death. There was no cliffhanger on this topic when Virgin River ended this season. Actually, after the multitude of cliffhangers last season, there wasn’t much at all this season. We were even told that Charmaine’s twins aren’t Jack’s. A little on the disappointing side.

That’s it for death and dying. On to living now.

Have a great week everyone!

Jul12

So I Went To A Funeral

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So I Went To A Funeral

On Saturdays I generally check out the obituaries in The Winnipeg Free Press. Last week I didn’t have to wait until Saturday. It hit a lot closer to home.

While I’m in Winnipeg I’m staying with my friend Lise. When we first met, I was living in Oak Bluff and Lise was living in Fannystelle, about twenty minutes away on Highway 2. She and her husband Bob used to come in to Winnipeg for auctions, and that’s where we first met.

Both Lise and I had businesses on Ebay and would regularly check out estate sales and auctions in the rural areas. We also sold in rural flea markets together.

Years ago when Lorazepam was my best friend, Lise was one of my biggest sources of support. And she was also a rock when I was going through an ugly divorce.

I moved away twelve years ago but our friendship has remained strong. Throughout the years Lise has visited my parents regularly in a Jewish cemetery here in Winnipeg and even sends me photos. By the way, Lise is Catholic.

Bob has been in a personal care home since April. His condition deteriorated quickly in the two weeks since I had arrived in Winnipeg. And yesterday the funeral was held in Fannystelle.

Returning to Fannystelle brought back a flood of memories. I visited with people I hadn’t seen in years. And I heard of others who are no longer with us.

While I like to think that I am the one who makes the decisions, there is someone else who has a plan for me and leads me to exactly where I’m supposed to be as well as when I’m supposed to be there. I often ponder the reason, but right now it’s quite clear in this case.

Rest in peace, Bob. You’re in heaven now with Jesus.

Jul10

Back in the Peg

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Back in the Peg

It’s been an interesting week. Haven’t quite decided which is worse….no phone or no Wi-Fi.

I spent a relaxing few days out at Rita’s cabin. No Wi-Fi but I had a phone. Visited, watched movies and vegged. The weather cooperated but the mosquitos were maneaters.

Returned to Winnipeg and had both a phone and Wi-Fi. But it was short-lived. AT&T switches over to Rogers and Rogers went down all over Canada. Very frustrating considering the time constraints I have here and the planning needed to organize my time in order to see my friends.

The highlight of the week was the time spent with my son. Please congratulate me. I cried before and after the visit, not during. First time we were together in five years. We had a wonderful visit and he barbecued a delicious dinner. We’ll be getting together again soon and I am looking forward to it.

On a sad note, I’m staying with my friend Lise and her husband passed away in a personal care home this week. Please keep them in your prayers.

It’s Sunday again and it’s strange not to be at Sage Hills. But I will enjoy having brunch and spending the day with David.

Will check in again on Wednesday.

Happy Sunday!

Nov17

Dads And Daughters

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Dads And Daughters

Today is November 17th and it’s also my Dad’s birthday. The last time I celebrated this day with him was in 1976, a few months before he died.

My dad was my hero, my best friend, my rock. There has never been anyone in my life who has ever been able to provide the unconditional love and security that I felt when my dad was alive.

Among many other things, my dad taught me to ride a bike and to drive a car. But what I remember most was the hours we spent together just talking. He was always there to listen and offer advice. Precious memories I cherish in my heart.

Back in 1980 I was pregnant with Kyle and was hoping he would be born on my dad’s birthday. But that didn’t happen. Instead he was born a week later on my parents’ anniversary, November 24th. And that made that date special again.

Happy Birthday Daddy in heaven!

Feb14

This Week In February.

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This Week In February.

February is a short month, and this past week has not been the greatest. The groundhog saw his shadow back on February 2nd, so maybe that explains all the snow we’re getting now. It may also account for the temperatures that have plummeted from the forties down to the teens.

But I’m not complaining too loudly. When I talk to friends back in Winnipeg I hear stories of extreme windchills and cars not starting. That’s a typical winter on the Canadian prairies.

A friend in Winnipeg is back in the hospital as they still try to determine the cause of an infection. Another friend just lost her brother to cancer. More friends in Mexico are struggling with Covid and one has died.

While Canada is imposing even stricter restrictions, here in Washington state things are opening up. I must admit that I’m confused by church gatherings with no masks and dine-in restaurants open in some towns but not in others. So much for state mandated rules.

Today is Valentine’s Day. Last year on this day I was in Aguascalientes at the park coloring and visiting with a friend. Today I’m coloring inside at home, glancing out the window at the falling snow.

The highlight of this past week is undoubtedly the three video calls I received from my eleven-year-old grandson in Culiacan. He usually calls me twice a week, so the extra call was truly a blessing. He tells me what he is studying in his online classes. He reads me stories he’s written. He tells me about his favorite videogames. Occasionally we talk about Covid.

I hope next week will be a better one. I’m tired of hearing about illness and death and quarantine.

Happy Valentine’s Day!