Dear All,
I guess it is time to update you all and to reassure everyone that I am doing okay. Paul had discussed with me what I should do in the event of his death. Needless to say his expectations were unreasonable and unreal. However, some of the practical issues I have carried out and as far as the emotional ones go – I am working on them. I have passed a few hurdles – our wedding anniversary and the seventh-month mark – very tough days. People tell me they can’t believe he has been gone for that long, but to me it feels like an eternity.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
The above is a quote I have often read and I am trying to live by it in some respects – to be alive is a gift and each of us should try to live each day to the fullest – not always easy, but at least something to strive for. Paul certainly did that, despite his many trials.
Each time I go to update the blog, I have difficulty trying to remember what I have been doing.
I know the landscaping was a work in progress since I wrote, and with rain delays, it took much longer than expected. It is now finished thankfully. Photos below.
John and Vickie came up for a weekend with their kids Briannah and Darien. They were very, very helpful. John and Alex came over as well and together we got the attics unpacked, some stuff sorted out in the barn and John did lots of clearing and cleaning on the dozer. Not only are they fun to have around, they are all wonderful friends and very much appreciated.
That weekend as John and Vickie left, Erin and Chris arrived to stay for a week. Chris had to work, but was able to do so from the house.
Kelly and Kyler arrived the next day. Kelly also had to work, which meant that Erin and I had to baby-sit Kyler. Poor us, what can I say, such a chore.
It was amazing to see and hear the difference in him in such a short time. He had grown taller, and his verbal skills had gone ahead in leaps and bounds. He is quite advanced verbally for his age and can carry on a conversation and sing songs. He can repeat any word that he hears (one must be very careful)!
Since his return, he phones me on his way to school each day – telling me what he had for breakfast, how many trucks he can see and to tell me he loves me and misses me. After speaking with Kyler, my day takes a turn for the better. Once when I was not home, he heard the answering machine with Paul’s voice and said “Grandpa”. I can’t believe he recognized Paul’s voice.
The kids had all come to help me organize a barn sale. Chris and Kelly worked through the day and then helped of an evening, whilst Erin, Kyler and I began to organize the items for sale. I had begun the set up but much was still to be done. Nate arrived on the Weds. Or Thursday, but I can’t remember. He too had to work through the day, so I had one office set up in the basement for Chris, and another in my bedroom sitting area for Kelly which she mostly shared with Nate. Thankfully I have wireless internet and they were all able to access their computers. It was rather like an office as the house had to be kept relatively quiet for the many phone calls made and received.
Our barn sale technically began on the Saturday morning, but I had sold a lot of goods in the week prior due to word of mouth. Our sale was a huge success and we opened it again (reluctantly) on the Sunday. The Sunday venture proved to be worthwhile as well.
I had donated Paul’s wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts to Veterans Affairs who were very happy to receive them. Other worthwhile goods not sold were donated to Habitat for Humanity and I still have some to go to good will. The barn is once again clean and tidy.
The kids set off for home on the Sunday, despite the fact that it was a holiday weekend here (i.e. Monday was the holiday). Erin had to start her new job on the Tuesday and the others all wanted to be back in time to recharge before their busy workweeks.
Erin started her new job at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. A very, very busy, understaffed, State run hospital. She found it difficult to secure a job, as most hospitals are short of funds thanks to the recession and as a consequence was not hiring new graduates because of the cost involved in orientation and training. Thankfully she persisted and ultimately was able to choose between positions offered. Since starting this, she has been working for weeks and is finally settled in.
Chris & Erin have been living with Kelly and Nate since they moved to Atlanta. Kelly and Nate were generous enough to offer them a home whilst they decided where they wanted to live and until Erin got a job. They recently found an apartment to rent and have since moved in. I am sure they are looking forward to finally setting up home together as a married couple. What a lucky break for them to have Kelly and Nate to give them time to get on their feet. I guess that is what families are for.
Since my last blog, my brother-in-law Tom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He passed away on November 2 and prayers are much needed for both Tom, Lou (my sister) and the kids. It is difficult to be so far away from the family at such times. Luckily we are a very close and supportive family and my brothers and sister Maureen are all there for them. Tom was a great husband, a wonderful father and a great brother-in-law - he was much loved and will be greatly missed .
Kyler with his best friend Brandon.
Trick or Treat?
I guess it is time to update you all and to reassure everyone that I am doing okay. Paul had discussed with me what I should do in the event of his death. Needless to say his expectations were unreasonable and unreal. However, some of the practical issues I have carried out and as far as the emotional ones go – I am working on them. I have passed a few hurdles – our wedding anniversary and the seventh-month mark – very tough days. People tell me they can’t believe he has been gone for that long, but to me it feels like an eternity.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
The above is a quote I have often read and I am trying to live by it in some respects – to be alive is a gift and each of us should try to live each day to the fullest – not always easy, but at least something to strive for. Paul certainly did that, despite his many trials.
Each time I go to update the blog, I have difficulty trying to remember what I have been doing.
I know the landscaping was a work in progress since I wrote, and with rain delays, it took much longer than expected. It is now finished thankfully. Photos below.
John and Vickie came up for a weekend with their kids Briannah and Darien. They were very, very helpful. John and Alex came over as well and together we got the attics unpacked, some stuff sorted out in the barn and John did lots of clearing and cleaning on the dozer. Not only are they fun to have around, they are all wonderful friends and very much appreciated.
That weekend as John and Vickie left, Erin and Chris arrived to stay for a week. Chris had to work, but was able to do so from the house.
Kelly and Kyler arrived the next day. Kelly also had to work, which meant that Erin and I had to baby-sit Kyler. Poor us, what can I say, such a chore.
It was amazing to see and hear the difference in him in such a short time. He had grown taller, and his verbal skills had gone ahead in leaps and bounds. He is quite advanced verbally for his age and can carry on a conversation and sing songs. He can repeat any word that he hears (one must be very careful)!
Since his return, he phones me on his way to school each day – telling me what he had for breakfast, how many trucks he can see and to tell me he loves me and misses me. After speaking with Kyler, my day takes a turn for the better. Once when I was not home, he heard the answering machine with Paul’s voice and said “Grandpa”. I can’t believe he recognized Paul’s voice.
The kids had all come to help me organize a barn sale. Chris and Kelly worked through the day and then helped of an evening, whilst Erin, Kyler and I began to organize the items for sale. I had begun the set up but much was still to be done. Nate arrived on the Weds. Or Thursday, but I can’t remember. He too had to work through the day, so I had one office set up in the basement for Chris, and another in my bedroom sitting area for Kelly which she mostly shared with Nate. Thankfully I have wireless internet and they were all able to access their computers. It was rather like an office as the house had to be kept relatively quiet for the many phone calls made and received.
Our barn sale technically began on the Saturday morning, but I had sold a lot of goods in the week prior due to word of mouth. Our sale was a huge success and we opened it again (reluctantly) on the Sunday. The Sunday venture proved to be worthwhile as well.
I had donated Paul’s wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts to Veterans Affairs who were very happy to receive them. Other worthwhile goods not sold were donated to Habitat for Humanity and I still have some to go to good will. The barn is once again clean and tidy.
The kids set off for home on the Sunday, despite the fact that it was a holiday weekend here (i.e. Monday was the holiday). Erin had to start her new job on the Tuesday and the others all wanted to be back in time to recharge before their busy workweeks.
Erin started her new job at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. A very, very busy, understaffed, State run hospital. She found it difficult to secure a job, as most hospitals are short of funds thanks to the recession and as a consequence was not hiring new graduates because of the cost involved in orientation and training. Thankfully she persisted and ultimately was able to choose between positions offered. Since starting this, she has been working for weeks and is finally settled in.
Chris & Erin have been living with Kelly and Nate since they moved to Atlanta. Kelly and Nate were generous enough to offer them a home whilst they decided where they wanted to live and until Erin got a job. They recently found an apartment to rent and have since moved in. I am sure they are looking forward to finally setting up home together as a married couple. What a lucky break for them to have Kelly and Nate to give them time to get on their feet. I guess that is what families are for.
Since my last blog, my brother-in-law Tom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He passed away on November 2 and prayers are much needed for both Tom, Lou (my sister) and the kids. It is difficult to be so far away from the family at such times. Luckily we are a very close and supportive family and my brothers and sister Maureen are all there for them. Tom was a great husband, a wonderful father and a great brother-in-law - he was much loved and will be greatly missed .
It has been a very difficult year – the loss of my husband, my brother and now my brother-in-law.
I have kept myself reasonably busy, preparing the house to put on the market. I don’t know whether that will be next year or in a few years, that depends on the market. I am preparing it just in case. The basement now has a drop ceiling, the barn is cleared and clean, landscaping done and my closet is now finished. It is ongoing and the next job will be to repaint the basement. I have purchased the paint and am now awaiting the urge!
I am hoping this weekend to have John, Vickie, Briannah, Darien, Lyn, Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy all come to stay. At this point in time, it looks like going ahead as they are all well. Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy were coming a few weeks ago, but a sinus infection and cold (Tom) put a stop to that. It should be fun having them all here.
As usual, my neighbors and my friends here have been wonderful to me and without their love and support, things would be much more difficult for me. They don’t all have access to this blog, but for those of you who do, I hope you all realize how special you are to me and how very much appreciated you all are. The same goes for my Aussie friends who call and email to check in – particularly Rhonda, Sue and Sheryl. I only have to pause for a minute to realize how lucky and blessed I am to have you all in my life.
I have kept myself reasonably busy, preparing the house to put on the market. I don’t know whether that will be next year or in a few years, that depends on the market. I am preparing it just in case. The basement now has a drop ceiling, the barn is cleared and clean, landscaping done and my closet is now finished. It is ongoing and the next job will be to repaint the basement. I have purchased the paint and am now awaiting the urge!
I am hoping this weekend to have John, Vickie, Briannah, Darien, Lyn, Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy all come to stay. At this point in time, it looks like going ahead as they are all well. Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy were coming a few weeks ago, but a sinus infection and cold (Tom) put a stop to that. It should be fun having them all here.
As usual, my neighbors and my friends here have been wonderful to me and without their love and support, things would be much more difficult for me. They don’t all have access to this blog, but for those of you who do, I hope you all realize how special you are to me and how very much appreciated you all are. The same goes for my Aussie friends who call and email to check in – particularly Rhonda, Sue and Sheryl. I only have to pause for a minute to realize how lucky and blessed I am to have you all in my life.
John and Woody took me to a gun range and taught me how to load and shoot a gun. I am now armed and dangerous! I expect never to fire it again, however, in the event of a home invasion or whatever, I know I have something to fall back on as a last resort. The rest of Paul's guns go to auction on December 7.
John and Alex also got me a drive-way alarm and now I can hear if a car is approaching the house. It is great and I can hear it all over the house, even in the basement.
Bobby Bennett and Gopher came up for a weekend to lend a hand and to educate me on what was rubbish and what was good stuff in the garage and barn. It is sometimes hard for a woman to tell the difference with “boys stuff”!
The boat is finally fixed and once again with the help of friends it is now safely in the barn after having been winterized (whatever that is).
I will be spending Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Kelly, Nate, Kyler, Erin and Chris. I will be leaving here on Nov. 18th returning the day after Thanksgiving. I am counting the days til I see them again.
On Dec. 6 I am leaving for London where I will spend Christmas with Damien and Lauren. During my time in London, the 3 of us are going to spend a week in Africa (Egypt on the Red Sea) in Sharm El Sheikh . This link will give information of accommodation and excursions in the region http://www.charmofsharm.co.uk/
I am returning to the US the Sunday after Christmas. I am looking forward to being in London again and to my trip to Egypt, but mostly am looking forward to catching up with Damien and Lauren. It will be a year by then, since I have seen Lauren. Damien of course was able to be here for Erin’s wedding, but it will be six months.
Bobby Bennett and Gopher came up for a weekend to lend a hand and to educate me on what was rubbish and what was good stuff in the garage and barn. It is sometimes hard for a woman to tell the difference with “boys stuff”!
The boat is finally fixed and once again with the help of friends it is now safely in the barn after having been winterized (whatever that is).
I will be spending Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Kelly, Nate, Kyler, Erin and Chris. I will be leaving here on Nov. 18th returning the day after Thanksgiving. I am counting the days til I see them again.
On Dec. 6 I am leaving for London where I will spend Christmas with Damien and Lauren. During my time in London, the 3 of us are going to spend a week in Africa (Egypt on the Red Sea) in Sharm El Sheikh . This link will give information of accommodation and excursions in the region http://www.charmofsharm.co.uk/
I am returning to the US the Sunday after Christmas. I am looking forward to being in London again and to my trip to Egypt, but mostly am looking forward to catching up with Damien and Lauren. It will be a year by then, since I have seen Lauren. Damien of course was able to be here for Erin’s wedding, but it will be six months.
As usual, I will post some pictures at the bottom of the blog for those of you who are interested.
Kyler with his best friend Brandon.They were born one day apart and
go to the same day care.
Trick or Treat?
Kyler with his buddy Toohey
