Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Friendship

Last night I had the joyful experience of spending time with a friend. We shared a jug of wine and a sumptuous meal that was enjoyed alfresco at the edge of a lake. We laughed and touched and exchanged knowing glances and affirmed, with delight, our kinship. And although I have shared much with this very special woman, we had never physically met until yesterday. Our friendship was forged with words and not deeds, via the Internet and through mutuality in business. It made me think about friends and friendships and how unique they can be, even when physicality is removed from the formula. Life is resplendent with relationships and the grace that is gifted us by the bright energy created through these connections. It is truly humbling, and I want to take some time and sincerely express my gratitude to the dear friends who have allowed me to share their lives through the years, and to say thanks for the privilege of their companionship.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Round and Around We Went

Last night was the annual Relay for Life, held down at the Sports Centre. This is the first time I've participated in this important event, and I found it was a very moving experience. My original plan was to pull the all-nighter but it became obvious with the week's events that wasn't meant to be. Instead I left Rick at home surrounded by his pill bottles and two kinds of telephones and his IPad, and went strolling for a couple of hours.

 

The luminaries were particularly poignant - little white bags with a glowing candle within, and each bag was decorated with the names of loved ones who have battled this vile disease. They were laid all the way around the edge of the 1/4 mile track, side by side. As it became dark, a full bagpipe and drum band led the procession of several hundred walkers around the track on a walk of remembrance, past the softly-glowing luminaries. It was one of those moments that refreshes life's perspectives, and gave me an enduring sense of peace and gratitude, which was much appreciated after the events of this week.

 

To my wonderful friends - Cliff, Wendy, Diane and Jenny - thank you for joining Team TAP and for your cheerful support and enthusiasm. And Lew - who toughed out the entire 12 hours and is hopefully eating pancakes for breakfast right now - my hat's off to you, captain. Well done and we'll be back next year.

 

 

Friday, June 6, 2014

And that just about does it

So here we are, three days later and we have returned to the Source of All Things Painful. A brave boy toughed out a post stent removal siege of pain for as long as he could before we had to appeal to Morpheus take the reins. The gang in the ER were instantly sympathetic and efficient and fairly quickly had things under control. Looks like the condition is improving though so I'm hoping to get him home later today.

 

This has made the unfortunate decision to cancel the cruise a lot easier. I can't even imagine how we could have dealt with a pain crisis like this on ship or in some remote Northern European country. So it's tabled for now and our interest and incentive is being refocused on a summer of recovery and healing. Life goes on.