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May 29 Granny died on SaturdayI am still numb and can't believe that she's gone, but at the same time relieved that Granny didn't suffer for very long. She wanted to go peacefully and she did. We all just made it to see her during the day on Saturday including my sister and Al, and my Uncle Peter who flew in from Vancouver. She knew we were there beside her and although the words didn't come out very clearly, she was asking her usual "what's new" questions - always curious to know how everyone is doing. She even laughed a bit. We are all so grateful that there was not a long and drawn out time like with Grandad. I feel very lucky to have made it in time to say good bye. Anyway, I'll be flying back to Toronto for the reception on Thursday... here's a link to the notice in the Globe and Mail and the Star.
May 10 Debbie's MemorialOur family has had too many losses lately and yet for Debbie's memorial there were no people dressed in black nor any somber services - just a celebration of her life. It really was wonderful to see people that I haven't seen in years and even to steal a little time with my parents and sister who I hadn't seen since Christmas. Earla made an incredible speech about Deb and her amazing capacity to accept people for who they are and enjoy all folks without passing judgement. She was a true free spirit and a caring person who will be dearly missed. We all let go of helium balloons and it was very symbolic of letting go of Deb (even though some got stuck in the trees nearby - hee hee) and the pinatas were a HOOT. Although I highly doubt that any latino family would use a hockey stick to hit the pinata, it was nice to see the Canadian roots coming out. Bill Best whacked the thing so hard that I think prizes will be discovered in yards several doors down. Laura's son David played "O Canada" on the trumpet too! Little Orphan Annie (Jaqueline) led the girls in touching "Tomorrow" that brought tears to my eyes. It was a special day. Thanks to all of the family and friends who pulled it together. I was glad to be able to make it from Philly (good thing I wasn't still in Yellowknife!). May 02 UpdateI haven't had ace to write yet on the cruise, but the pictures are finally up on my Kodak site (after a work-around with friggin' VISTA). The past few weeks have been a whirlwind with the wedding then a weekend in Edmonton and this weekend in Ohio for my cousin's funeral. My poor Aunt just lost her husband to cancer less than two years ago and now her daughter. My parents and sister are also going so at least I get to see them. Although we are all a bit worried about Granny while everyone is in Ohio, because she's deteriorating pretty rapidly. Andrea and Al are enjoying their new puppy Magee, but Hobo is not doing so well. He was not able to do stairs a couple of weeks ago and wasn't eating at all; however, he has improved a bit so as long as he's not in constant pain and eating hopefully he will be OK for a while. I've had some fun this past week with a new employeee from Toronto named Rikin (who also went to U of G) and with a visitor from our Malaysia office named Dharmesh. I've taken them into Philly for a Jazz concert at the Museum of Art, Philly Cheesesteaks at Geno's and some wandering around Old City. I'm not sure how good of a tour guide I was considering that I'm not from here, but it was enjoyable anyway. Rikin introduced me to Cold Stone Creamery yesterday (there is one about a 15 min drive from work), which was just MEAN! I may be getting fatter in the near future (tee hee). Anyway, that's a brief update and I'll try to fill in more on the wedding, etc. later, but at least the pics are there. |
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