I must say, lately I have felt like the “flavour of the month!”
Whenever I open the mighty Cochrane Eagle, there I am!
I told my husband I will be glad when I open the paper, and I’m not there. Whoops, better watch what I hope for, I might get it.
Cochrane seems to have embraced me, and I love every minute of it. People have literally been coming out of the woodwork to help me, with small acts of kindness and support, whether it be emails, lunches, coffees, books, jewelry boxes, outings, doilies, or articles.
And what a surprise when I opened my door some time ago and found a group from “Sistership” on the doorstep, ready to do our spring gardening! There they were, all nine of them with shining faces, gardening supplies and ample beer and wine to get through the afternoon. In a few hours, what would have taken my husband all day to do, was done. Thank you so much girls! And thank you for the garden ornament.
I am learning a valuable lesson — that art of receiving.
I’m calling it an art, because that is what it is, an art.
It’s so much easier to give.
One of the greatest blessings I have received is having the time to say good-bye. I have so many people to say that to, and there is great comfort in that. It is so much easier than a sudden death, when that opportunity it taken away from you.
The last few nights, I have found myself waking up at 1:30 a.m. and thinking of all the things I need to do before I die. Giving things away is one of them — does that make me a control freak? I hope not. I like to think of myself as a person who needs to be organized. There is a lot to this dying stuff. Just when you think it's done, it’s not.
My amazing daughter, Nola, has become the rock in my life. She anticipates my needs even before I verbalize them. Like arranging to tour the hospice some time ago. The hospice is bright and cheery, with dedicated staff that will bring you ice cream at midnight if that’s what you want. When you know what the hospice is all about, the fear leaves.
But my daughter is more than a physical presence for me. We connect on an emotional and spiritual level that I never thought possible. Hard to believe that when she was a teenager we were fighting like cats and dogs.
Life is full of surprises.
So to this beautiful town of Cochrane, and the folks who live here, thanks to everyone for the love, kind words and support. You make my new journey so much easier.
