Reconnecting with family

This past weekend, Bill & I headed to the great southwest (of Ontario), to spend some time with our family.

My cousins were both turing 60 this month and one of them was throwing a big party to celebrate.  I have two cousins who were born on the exact same day, in 1957, in the same hospital and their parents named them both "John".  So, as we all grew up together, we would refer to them by their middle names or initials:  John J. and John Charles.  John Charles became John or Charlie.

He and his wife hosted a wonderful party on Saturday evening, at their beautiful family home, outside of Chatham.  They generously provided all the food and libations and then topped the evening off with a great band.

For me, the best part of the evening, was having some good conversations with some of my cousins and catching up on their lives.  So nice to do this at a party, rather than at a funeral home.  One of my cousins had recently separated and I wanted to hear how she was doing (amazing!).  Another had a stroke last year and her recovery was well on its way.  So proud of her!  Another was telling me stories of how he will often hop a plane and travel with an in-law, who likes to fly the globe at the drop of a hat.

It was so good to reconnect with them.  I kept thinking back to when we were all kids and then looking at where we have all ended up, 50 - 60 years later.  Still loving each other, through common bonds, blood and upbringing.

Bill & I are hoping to move back to my hometown area.  I cannot wait to step back into these relationships again.  They meant so much to me, when I was young, before life, work and distance put space between us.

Farewell Charlie

One of the reasons behind our decision for me to retire early, was the diagnosis, in May 2017, of our dear friend, Charlie.

He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and then we later learned a 2nd one had also developed.  His cancer moved quickly, but gratefully, without pain.  And we lost our dear friend on Sunday, September 3rd.  It has been a summer of sadness for us, as we watched his wife, Jane, of 43 years, care for him, in her practical, no-nonsense way.  She is one of my closest friends; a Lemmon Sister.  We chatted and visited regularly, providing as much help and coaching from the sidelines as we could.  They managed, as they always had, as a true partnership.  She knew what he needed and was there 24-7.  A testament and beautiful example of true, life-long love.

Charlie was a quiet man; a gentle giant.  He had a quick sense of humour, and a whispery, contagious laugh.  He loved to be around his friends and family.  His career was spent on the golf course - literally!  He was a superb greenskeeper, who watched the weather channel religiously, as one of the many tools to keep those fairways in such immaculate shape.  This was the perfect job for him, as Charlie was a natural golfer.  On the occasions when I could play with him, it was a treat for me to follow along and just marvel at his easy swing.  He'd offer suggestions on how to improve my game and was very patient.  (Janie shares a different perspective! )

Charlie, me, Marisu & Doug

He was also a man of faith, having once considered becoming a priest.  But after one year at Seminary, he felt that married life was his calling.  And then he found Janie.  Together they raised three children, allowing them to grow, and supporting them and their choices in life.  They were always there for their kids.  And now their children have beautiful families and have gifted Jane & Charlie with (almost) six grandchildren!  (#6 could arrive any day now...)

Tomorrow, we say our final good-bye to Charlie.  It's hard to believe that our good friend will no longer be on this earth with us.  Fortunately, we have so many years of wonderful memories of fun times and laughter.  These will keep him close for years to come.
God Bless You, Charlie.  Rest in Peace.

August 31st was R-day!

August 31st was my last day of work.

The day started with my leaving a quick, cryptic post on my Facebook page, simply stating that August 31, 2017 was R-day.  Then, I got ready to leave our home for my last day of my working life.

Bill & Maggie stood at the front window to wave good-bye, in their usual spots, but this time, Bill had asked me to stop and wave, as he wanted to take a picture.  As I drove to the office, I thought about the finality of this last commute.  There were so many well wishes and farewells from my co-workers, including a surprise video conference from the team in Montreal, wishing me well.  The whole day was quite humbling, with so many seeking me out to wish me well, with hugs, cards and gifts.

I had planned to leave at 3 p.m., to avoid traffic.  But was able to leave earlier and ask I headed to my old nemesis, the 401, the Snowbirds flew overhead.  I shrieked, I was so excited!  And true to form, the 401 did not let me down:  I had to face the nasty commuter traffic one last time, this time with a smile.

At home, there were cards and gifts and I quickly made some calls to thank folks.  And so many heartwarming responses to my earlier Facebook post.  Then, I settled on to the patio to the enjoy the moment I was waiting for:  an ice cold martini, while stretched out, toes wiggling in the sunshine.

At suppertime, Bill & I walked off to our favourite restaurant, Pasqualinos, with plans to sit at the bar, have a drink, and share a salad and pizza.  Then we spotted our good friends, Pat &Martha walk into the restaurant with a bag of gifties.  They came to join us for supper and we had a wonderful evening with them.  Afterwards, we had to ask them to drive us home, as the gift bag was just too heavy, along with the box of leftover pizza.

It was a memorable day, ticking all the boxes.  And now, three days later, I catch myself waking up and still thinking about work and things that I still feel I need to do!  When does this stop?

So now, a new chapter begins.