Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Friday, July 25, 2014
Wow! 3 and a half years: Time Flies!
I started this blog just for myself. But, I know in the back of my mind that others might stumble upon it, so I consciously censor what I write. I tend to "lofty" thoughts. Not my own, but quotes that strike me as pertinent to my life at the time.
Well, today's post, fair warning, is about my personal journey the last two years.
And, what a wild journey it has been.
The academic year of 2011-2012 was a chance for me to take personal leave from the University. Part of that year I spent in Cincinnati, taking care of my 89-year-old father. Dad was recovering from a knee replacement--a choice he needed to make, but the recuperation was slow and ultimately, took too much out of him. But, we flew to Siesta Key, FL for two weeks to a timeshare he and my mother went to for 12 years. He perked up in Florida, even walking the short distance to the beach and climbing the circular stairs to the lanai. But, when we returned, his energy and strength--and, frankly, his desire to live--took a nose dive. My mother passed in 2009, and while Dad did great for the first two years, the surgery really took its toll and he was ready to escape this world.
In the Spring of '12, after several months in Cincinnati, I brought my father to Edinboro, so I could see my family and to do the paperwork for my retirement from the University. Well, two weeks before my retirement date, my beloved husband, Mark, died. No warning, no sickness, no evident cause. Needless to say, shocked is the only response we felt. My son, Ian, and I are still in shock. Logically, we comprehend, but emotionally, not so much.
Well, six months later, my father was finally released from this life.
So, in 18 months I lived through three major life-altering events: the death of my husband, Mark, the death of my Father, and retirement.
Soon, another post with thoughts on how I survived.
Well, today's post, fair warning, is about my personal journey the last two years.
And, what a wild journey it has been.
The academic year of 2011-2012 was a chance for me to take personal leave from the University. Part of that year I spent in Cincinnati, taking care of my 89-year-old father. Dad was recovering from a knee replacement--a choice he needed to make, but the recuperation was slow and ultimately, took too much out of him. But, we flew to Siesta Key, FL for two weeks to a timeshare he and my mother went to for 12 years. He perked up in Florida, even walking the short distance to the beach and climbing the circular stairs to the lanai. But, when we returned, his energy and strength--and, frankly, his desire to live--took a nose dive. My mother passed in 2009, and while Dad did great for the first two years, the surgery really took its toll and he was ready to escape this world.
In the Spring of '12, after several months in Cincinnati, I brought my father to Edinboro, so I could see my family and to do the paperwork for my retirement from the University. Well, two weeks before my retirement date, my beloved husband, Mark, died. No warning, no sickness, no evident cause. Needless to say, shocked is the only response we felt. My son, Ian, and I are still in shock. Logically, we comprehend, but emotionally, not so much.
Well, six months later, my father was finally released from this life.
So, in 18 months I lived through three major life-altering events: the death of my husband, Mark, the death of my Father, and retirement.
Soon, another post with thoughts on how I survived.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Look for the Learning
Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us and those around us more effectively. Look for the learning.
Louisa May Alcott
(1832-1888)
Louisa May Alcott
(1832-1888)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Is it Karma?
"Life's easier when you can write off others as monsters, as demons, as horrible threats that must be hated and feared. The thing is, you can't do that without becoming them, just a little." Jim Butcher
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Living to the Fullest
When life gets complicated, doing the right thing seems like such a challenge. Our true measure of our morality is reflected in the choices we make.
When do you fight for what is right? When it is easy? When it is painful?
Accept that things will be the way they will be.
Be grateful for the challenges. Be grateful for the love.
Be honorable, be strong, be a friend.
When do you fight for what is right? When it is easy? When it is painful?
Accept that things will be the way they will be.
Be grateful for the challenges. Be grateful for the love.
Be honorable, be strong, be a friend.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
First Venture into Blogging
Great things happened in class today. There was great discussion. Shared experiences and feelings. And, an "Ah Hah" moment.
Makes it fun to go to class.
Makes it fun to go to class.
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