Godaddy
| I got the call two weeks ago that my aunt Debbie was unwell.April 10th another call came she had passed away.It's difficult to be so far away from my family at times like this.I love living in Toronto.Yet, when there are family losses or crises I feel a million miles away.Unfortunately there is never money enough to just hop a plane home.This past weekend was tough.I spent a lot of time thinking about my cousin Cynthia.She was born with a rare form of cancer and lost some of her cranial bone in infancy.Her life has been a challenge from the word go; still, she was always laughing and holding a positive outlook.She lives in a group home now, at age 43.My mom says she is doing well, all things considered.I haven't seen Cynthia in twelve years.Not since the last time I made a stop over in New Brunswick on my way home to PEI.At that time she was living with her parents.Now, with the passing of Aunt Debbie, both of Cynthia's parents are gone.My Uncle Albert was the kindest man I ever knew.I loved him like a father.Money being short and the fact we had no car meant I only saw Uncle Albert and his family a few times a year.I loved when they would drive up in their Winnebago and park in our driveway for a few days.It seems like a lifetime ago like it never happened.As I was packing the last of the old apartment today I found the four handmade wine goblets Uncle Albert and Aunt Debbie gave me on that visit twelve years ago.It was such a great time.We laughed lots and Albert told me about his time on the ground crew testing the Avero Aero.I'd heard the story many times but it never got old.He had been sick for years but always lit up when telling a story.From the time I was ten he always tried to convince me to join the military.I always reminded him I was a better rule breaker than rule follower.He always agreed.I hated leaving that day I knew in my soul it would be the last time we would spend together.He was gone within two months.Debbie was a good Newfoundland girl.She had a hearty laugh and gave hugs that would squeeze the life out of you.I loved her hugs. |
| I loved her hugs.I also loved the way she called my uncle, "Aaaall."What I loved most about her is the way she took care of my uncle.He had lost both of his lungs and breathed through a machine the last years of his life.There was no shortage of medications to administer and health issues to be dealt with.She never left his side.Today as I carefully wrapped the goblets my eyes filed with tears.People are gone in a heartbeat.It's just a part of the life cycle.Still it is difficult to say goodbye forever.I still have my mother I am so fortunate I was able to pick up the phone and call her today but I wish I could have been on a plane home this past weekend.I know better, yet sometimes I feel like I let my family down when I can't be there.I guess that's human nature.It was a brilliant sunny day in Toronto today, which helped cheer me up.I was hoping there was sunshine in the Maritimes for my family and especially for Cynthia.My mom said the sun was out but it was, "awful cold outside."She also said, "It won't be long till I can put out the patio furniture."We didn't talk for long but we spoke about Cynthia, Aunt Debbie, and Uncle Albert.Mom still loves and misses her big brother "we use to roar with laugher."She always says about him.I kept the call short so I wouldn't cry.I hate for her to hear me cry.It makes her worry about me. So I told a white lie, "I have to go I'm in the middle of things and just wanted to check in."I figure this sort of fib is forgivable.I'll consult my shrink just to be sure.Those of you who've read the previous blog know I went on a small shoe shopping adventure with "Glamma" on Saturday.God bless him and Jenny too they kept me busy all weekend in attempts to keep from drowning in my thoughts.My chosen family is the BEST ever!They have never let me down.I thought about them today during the packing.Just the memory of their faces cheered me up.I love each and every one of them dearly.If you are fortunate enough to have close friends tell them "thanks for being you!" |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 July 2008 )
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