I DO

I DO know that my friend Colleen was present at her daughter's wedding

her photo at the altar

I DO see why this beautiful place was the chosen setting

I DO hear music, at the very least laughter, that is music to my ears

I DO cherish my girlfriends

I DO believe this is one phenomenally beautiful bride

I DO see before them a view of the world - quite vast and full of peaks and valleys

I DO bear witness to the sunshine in their eyes and glow upon their faces

I DO hope that they continue to dance all the days of their lives

I DO profess a love beyond measure has been bound together in God's name

I DO wish for this couple a lifetime of complete fulfillment - individually, and together !

A weekend of beauty, joy, memories and wanting - that a girl could have had her Mama with her for this special day. Tears that were both happy and sad fell all day. It was nonetheless perfect in every way!

A Weekend Of Huge Emotional Proportions

Two events occurring nearly simultaneously. Two friends, from two different parts of my life. I will be present for only one celebration, the other doesn't need presence - just knowing!

Coco. A mate from high school. She, of the above average goodness and positivity. The friend, that I lost to cancer a couple of years ago - has a daughter that is marrying. To be asked to come and share this day with Kelly is a beautiful and kind gesture. There will be a few of her Mother's friends in attendance. I am packing clothes for a weekend event at the beach. Excitement is soaring, and emotions pouring out.

old photo.. Coco sitting on sofa left side - me beside her

Coco's beautiful girl is sure to mention her Mother. Pay some sort of tribute. Cry some tears. I'll be right there doing the same!

In another place, far from the wedding, my dear friend of all my adult years will be moving. Why might this be so emotional? She is the fun, intelligent red-haired gem that I thought I had lost also.
Moving from place to place, to place has been something she has done with much frequency in the last couple of years. The moving was from hospital to hospital and home again intermittently. Home only when her mind allowed for structure, normalcy, and happiness. She has somehow found her way. She is no longer lost. To me, nor to herself. Most importantly - to herself!!

Going HOME! There are not words to express how happy I feel for her. Please, dear God, let this be the ultimate homecoming... that there shall be no leaving.

Godspeed, sweet friend. Rest your head on your own pillow! Enjoy your days!

You both are loved!

Dates

Dates, appointments, memories, calendars, a whole new year...

SO MANY RED LETTER DAYS!

Doesn't get much more important than the fresh start of a brand new year. I commandeered Hubby, got behind the wheel, and drove myself to fill the day with my personal joys. I finagled him into enjoying them as well!

Slowly ambled creek side at Alum Rock Park, crossing turn of the century stone bridges while sniffing at the air for sulphur from ancient hot springs. I had battled the flu for the week prior to this and our walk was a meek version of my usual hikes. That was alright though, it kept me side to side with Hubby.

Drove to the highest peak I could find in our city and waited for the sun to set. The first one of the next 364 in 2012. And, there are really BIG important dates coming....

Not to be forgotten - I'm a little ahead of myself - a date; an anniversary just passed for my dear friend Coco. She found skies to soar in without physical limits two years ago on New Years Eve. I was at the beach when she passed, and I was there again on this anniversary.

Anxiously awaiting today, January 3rd for many RED LETTER reasons....

My Sweet has worked hard to get well, and back to work again. Today was his first. Hopefully his achy legs can be willed into strength with each stride.

On this date, we've pinned high hopes on results to a medical test.  The outcome was not the one we wished for, yet everyone's spirits are calm and only time will tell. This is another event for a leap of faith. {see past few posts} As have been very many of my life's situations of late.

And today came, and left us with a different date to watch the calendar for. With many months past a year now, my friend that has been both hospitalized and housebound while waiting for clear thoughts and happiness is trying to keep the faith.  We expected to hear where she might move; where I can visit her next. Our hopes are pinned on a new place, and a changed RED LETTER day.


One day at a time.....

Sure as the grass grows...

We'll get our answers, and make new dates, and memorialize anniversary dates...

And, God willing live another full year...

INSPIRATION

Believing this post would be a remembrance to a passed friend I came up with the title of: Inspiration. Upon checking my Webster's, it seems that my title has plenty to do with many a thought crossing my mind!

The inspiration (noun -the act of influencing or suggesting opinions) and also (the power of moving emotions) for me today comes from the fact that as the year wanes, a date of  profound loss nears. I've previously spoken of Colleen. She and her remaining family are on my mind. I've sent them a note in remembrance as I will be away this weekend. I shall be celebrating all that is hopeful and new, and they shall be saddened by their loss. I also HOPE that her family will celebrate too. May they find their way to celebrate the good memories held in their hearts, the new joys they have experienced since her death, and all of the possibilities of the New Year.

And yet even more inspiration.... (the drawing of air into the lungs) on that trip away for this weekend. Icy, cold, fresh, mountain air.  We'll be nestled in the majesty of the Sierras on a steep, snowy slope for 3 days. Here's hoping that I can find inspiration (of another type) for my life in the lovely new year that we are embarking upon.

May you find inspiration from those who shower you in love and kindness, and from the air you breathe in the beauty that surrounds you daily!

Sweet Remembrance

This Birthday was celebrated in a unique fashion. Tonight Hubby & I joined a small group in a little  pizza parlor in the town where I grew up. The lovely lady who is named on the cake couldn't join us. Coco is the nickname for my sweet pal - Colleen. I went to High School with her and we were connected by the same circle of friends. Our relationship lasted many years, waning in some places, and reconnecting in others. Where she chose motherhood, religion and a more reserved lifestyle, I opted for quite the opposite.  These differences never changed my view that she was sweet, caring, funny, unique, patient and kind. Forward now to nearly one year ago. While most of us scrambled about preparing for Christmas she was enduring another hospital stay - one of many! After years of poor health, disease and complications that NO human should  ever find in their vocabulary... Coco was once again fighting to stay here on Earth, if only for a few months more, solely to continue her parenting duties. Her children were the reason for that drive and tenacity. Droves of people visited. Her family sat vigil. The Doctors who had become personally involved were friends now. She tried - really, really tried HARD, but life here with us was not in the cards. Her fight was lost on a rainy, full Blue Moon evening on the final day of the year. That anniversary to be here shortly. Tonight though was arranged by those beautiful children of hers. It was a must that they honor their Mother on this, her 53rd Birthday! A cake was made, candles lit and we sang to her too. Her only Grandchild blew out the candles.
From our hearts to yours, Coco - you are remembered and loved!