Sunday, January 16, 2011

hello dear friends,

thank you truly for all your kind words and concern on my previous post, chuck is healing and will be back to new in no time. i'm writing now from my ipad, since my computer became infected this week and is out of order. there was a lot of good and not so good in our family this last week. my 96 year old nana passed away. there is so much that deserves to be said, but suffice it to say she was well loved and she loved us back, times forever. our puppy owen became sick, he stopped eating and couldn't keep anything down. trips to the vet, including x-rays, meant possible surgery. my youngest son left for university two states away, on the eve of his birthday. i couldn't bake him a cake or hug him on his day. then while searching for a knitting pattern, i accidentally infected my computer. and finally, my auntie (who'd been in assisted living) fell ill also two days ago and passed away today.

my mom, who has alzheimers, doesn't know that her mother and sister have died. my cousins thought that nana was calling auntie to heaven, to be with her. I like thinking that too. our family is planning a memorial to celebrate their lives. that will be easy to do.

tonight i feel a comforting calmness, my nana and auntie are together and at peace. my two youngest are happy and thriving away from home and on their own. owen gave us a scare but now he's back to his rambunctious self. my computer is still down, and ordinarily that would seem like a big deal, but now it just doesn't.

34 comments:

  1. serene calm strength xxxx
    more stars in the skies to watch over us

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  2. thanks janet, that's a beautiful thing to say.
    xxxx

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  3. so sorry to hear about your sadness; sending thoughts and love xxx

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  4. Condolences to you and your family Lori. I think you've now got two more angels looking after you all.
    Hugs
    ~Felicia

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  5. Lori, it seems like life dishes change up in spurts of abundance, don't you think? Your universe is certainly in shift mode. I love the idea of your auntie and grandma being together, passing over to eternal peace. I know your Mom's present condition is a difficult challenge and probably weighs heavy on your heart (although you don't ever say so). You have a wonderful perspective towards life and your kids are lucky to have a mom like you - as well as your mom to have a daughter as loving and caring.

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  6. Jeez Lori, talk about a storm passing through. I'm so sorry all of this has been going on, including losing two dear people.
    I like the thought of them being together too.

    I'm glad little Owen straightened out. I'm sure that was scarey.

    And your son leaving the day before his birthday. I know how that tugged at your heart.

    In the scheme of things, yes, the computer is a small issue. But I also know it's been a lifeline to you. I hope it gets fixed soon.

    Sending love and gentle hugs~

    xo
    Lo♥

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  7. so sorry for your loss... know that there are 2 more angels in God's Garden watching over you...

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  8. Life CAN swirl quickly - and sadness descend at an instant....

    Losing two people you love is hard....but I love the image of there now being two more stars in the sky to watch over you and your family.

    You have a wonderful. close-knit family.... and no distance will keep all of your hearts parted from each other. Always remember they are only a call or text from you.. and it will make the homecoming hugs all the sweeter!

    So glad little Owen is back to being his exhuberent self! That little ball of joy is what you need! (And, all of your blogging family adores him too!)

    I had pc problems a month ago and just hated it...as Lo said, it can be a lifeline!

    Sending you love and many hugs! Kiss Owen for me!

    Your California Girlfriend - shrouded in fog this morning! You too?

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  9. Lori, I'm sorry to hear about your losses. Thinking of you and your family - and Owen! I bet your calmness is a collective hug wrapping around you from everyone you've come into contact with be it in person or otherwise - letting you know it's okay to just 'be' and take life (and every aspect of it) in. <<>> Susan

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  10. thank you val. xxx

    . . .

    i appreciate that felicia, thank you so much for coming by
    xxx
    . . .

    lyn, i'm thankful for what you've said. It means a lot to me. l've learned that perspective is gift we give our selves, as well as others. xxx

    . . .

    thanks so much lo, i'm going to find someone to fix my computer this week, crossing fingers here. xxx

    . . .

    thank you northern teacher, i like thinking that. xxx

    . . .

    thanks so much robin, I've kissed owen, he is completely better now. sadness came and went this last week, it was an up and down one for sure. I left out the good things that happened too, maybe if my computer gets fixed soon, i can share some photos. we've not seen fog in a long while, it's clear and gorgeous here. almost too nice to feel like winter!
    xxx

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  11. thanks so much susan, your words are true and wise. I've spent a lot of time outdoors on the beach, which is always good for my soul. and watching owen run around always makes me laugh. xxx

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  12. Hi Lori! Oh, I am so sorry, sweetie. What a lot you have been going through. Of course, as a fellow mama, my heart tugged extra hard on you missing your son's birthday, just because I know you could have used that hug. I never had aunts, uncles, grandmas or grandpas, but I am sure it leaves a big hole when they leave. I do know something about having a mom with AD, and my heart and hugs go out to you. Thank goodness that little Owen is better. :) Sending you much love!!! xoxo Pam

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  13. Dear Lori,

    Hills and valleys. You are in the valley now, but have much love and strength around you to walk back up the hill.

    Take care and sending friendship and symapthy
    xx
    julie

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  14. Wishing you all the strenght you need , I wish I were there with you , just to BE with you...
    Warm wishes, love,Mina

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  15. Oh no poor Lori!!!!
    What a lot to handle in such a short time!. That takes a strong woman and I know you are but still this is a lot of emotions to handle!
    A few good things I read, that your DH is recovering , I looked at your previous post before but didn't read all of the words so I didn't know.
    Owen is also doing better thank Goodness!
    Your babies away an empty nest.....
    And your family passing away.My condolences, my this is just all too much.....

    Sending you a lot of warm healing hugs dear!
    Will keep you in my thoughts!

    ♥♥♥
    >M<

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  16. So sorry to hear of your loss and sadness.
    Like Janet says more angels to watch over us. So glad Owen is okay, kisses from me okay. Yes, in the big picture computers are not very important and they are fixable.
    Lots of love and many hugs.
    xoxo

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  17. oh lori ann... when it rains it pours. this post was sad to read - but real. i'm glad your pup is alright - that would be much too much to bear. may the love of your nana and auntie shine in you forever. i hope this transitional time is transformational for you and your family in the best of ways. peace be with you.

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  18. Oh Sweet Lori. I am sorry for your loss but glad to think they are together. Owen~ sweet little Owen, the things we go through for our pets. Puppy prayers to St Francis :)
    I hate being away from my girls during birthdays and such.. I miss them and they are not even that far..
    Love to you ♥

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  19. Hello Lori, what an emotional whirlwind of events you have just been through. So good to know little Owen is ok and your hubby of course ... sending you a supply of smiles*!*

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  20. lori dear, feeling such sadness to hear of your losses....i am so sorry.

    thinking of you from afar, and sending much love and many hugs your way♡♡

    p.s. so happy at least to hear that chuck's injury is healing and owen is back to his rambunctious self ;-)

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  21. My thoughts are with you Lori at this time of loss.
    Enjoy the calm and understand the sadness that follows only comes from deep love.

    xx Robyn

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  22. Sending Big hugs to you sweet Lori.I always liked to think of those that pass as sweet sounds ringing in our ears.So when I hear the chimes blowing in the breeze or when I hear a bird singing its sweet song,or the sound of the waves dancing along the shore..its them smiling in thier own way,its them sharing the moments with us.Silly I know,but I tell you,I cant help but feel joy when the chime sings outside my window.
    Big hugs to you and your family.Cat

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  23. Oh, dear Lori. I was just reading about a California superstorm, and here you have been living through one of your own. Endless hugs and kisses to you and your family.

    xoxo

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  24. Pam, your kindness goes as deep as your creativity, and both are just endless, thank you. xxx.

    . . .

    Julie, thank you for your wisdom and friendship. And your ornaments, which I look at at least 10 times a day. xxx

    . . .

    Mina, dear friend, I always feel your kindness and friendship even though thousands of miles separate us. Thank you. xxx

    . . .

    Marianne, I will be okay, owen is better, but you need to get well too. Feel better dear friend.stronger day by day. :)

    . . .

    Annie, thank you so much, owen will love those kisses, that is something that makes us both feel better. xxx

    . . .

    Kj, thanks dear friend. xxx

    . . .

    Anushka, I know this was a lot to write about, and I hesitated. But glad for good and understanding friends.Thank you for your kindness and sweet words. I really appreciate them. xxx

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  25. Janis, thank you for the prayers, and owen thanks you too. Hugs to you sweet friend. xxx

    . . .

    Annie, thank you, your smiles are much appreciated.
    :) xxx

    . . .

    Amanda, thank you for the love and hugs, it makes me happy that I wrote this post, for all the understanding. xxx

    . . .

    Robyn, sitting with all these things and even writing about them has helped. It is all about love. Thank you. xxx

    . . .

    Cat, not silly at all, really lovely and I like it. Thank you for sharing and understanding. I think I would like some new wind chimes. xxx

    . . .

    Bella, your words mean so much to me and I thank you very much. I haven't heard of a superstorm, is it like la Nina? xxx

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  26. Many hugs to you, it's all so tough!ear. I like the idea of new stars, as I've hopefully got three new ones myself. happy that owen is doing well , and hope you are too

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  27. I am using an iPad also so my spelling is very weird!

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  28. Oh Lori. My condolences for your losses, I'm so sorry. My prayers are for your nana and her daughter, who are holding their hands over your head, guiding and protecting you and your loved ones.

    Happy to hear the boys (Chuck and Owen) are healing, and praising your positive approach to your kids' geographical distance.

    I am so proud of you.

    Lola xx

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  29. Oh my, what a distressing time for you... life definitely has weird swerves and corners.. and strange ways. Its great that you're focusing on the positive side.. since it is the best thing about life. Glad Owen is much better...take it as a sign things are going to be ok. All the best, and all my condolences, take care,
    xx

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  30. I love your strength so much, Lori. I know that life can throw us curve-balls and it's incredibly tempting to lose ourselves in grieving over the people we have lost. But I always see you taking everything in stride, one day at a time, a casual and loving observer of your own life, keeping a sense of humor and perspective. I admire you so much and please, even though you sound as if you are doing just fine, let me know if there's anything you need. I'm here, always, just to listen. Much love to you.

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  31. Oh my goodness, what a week. So sorry to hear. Thinking of you. Hope you're coping okay.
    Love and strength to you. xxx

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  32. Oh my, Lori.. I have just been catching up since 1 January. What a week you have had, with sadness and all sorts of other things to deal with. glad it's over, and that Chuck's feeling better and even Owen's OK, too.

    That anniversary trip to Big Sur took my breath away - absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing it in such detail x

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  33. Dear Lori. It seems I have been missing in action for quite some time and it is a mixture of delight and sadness that I find on my return...
    Your photos continue to bring joy - how beautifully you pick up the light and the beauty in small things (and great) and your post about your anniversary trip was lovely. And how exciting to be published too!
    I am so sorry to read about your auntie and Nana and send you all my best. I like your cousins thoughts too - it's nice to think of them together. The memorial wil surely be special.
    Lots of love to you Lori.
    Cinta xx

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xoxo lori