When I started this blog with the Russia pics, my intention was to only put happy things here. But then I thought about it more and decided that if I did that, I wouldn't be able to share other parts of life. That generates today's post.
Among other things today, I go to say goodbye to a friend and neighbor, Mike. When I moved to AZ, Mike was one of the early visitors and really cool people who helped me get acclimated to AZ and to our community. Mike and his wife have lived here for several years, knew lots of people, and were always ready with advice and suggestions in answer to my questions. Plus, Mike and I got to know each other well when we both worked on the village newsletter. I knew I could always count on him for good writing and good ideas along with a great sense of humor. In the last few years, his wife would call me the "bread lady" because I would occasionally bake a loaf of bread and take it down for them to enjoy. I liked the baking process and they liked the eating process, so it worked out well. Mike died early this week after battling cancer for a little over three years. At least he died in his sleep and with little pain, so that's a blessing. My life has been enriched by knowing him, and I will miss him.
One of the things about living in a retirement community is that you have to do a lot of this saying goodbye thing. In the 4+ years I've lived here, there have been 5 deaths on my street alone. And last night I talked to another good friend who is starting chemo next week after having had a major surgery just this summer. Another gal that I played Mah Jong with died early this summer with cancer, and the husband of a friend on the library committee was diagnosed with liver cancer this summer.
Death is part of life, but being reminded of my own mortality this frequently, and this closely, is tough.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Linda,
ReplyDeleteWe were sorry we were unable to attend Mike's funeral and hoping Grace might have a memorial when the winter residents return. They were such a loving and unique couple. I know what you mean about having to say goodbye so often. This summer many of our friends had major health issues and it got me to thinking (once again), that life is short and you don't want to have regrets. I said to Leo "What are we saving all this money for?" So we did a couple of things I had wanted to do to the house and are planning a trip to the Mediterranean next year. I guess my point is, cherish the friendships and your family and really enjoy life EVERY day to the fullest. It's a challenge and you have to find a balance, but it is also very satisfying and indeed helps your psyche.
R
Thank you for the article about Mike. I too enjoyed his articles in the Moutaineer.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you have someone calling you the "bread lady". I am in the same situation. I love to make bread, but I tend to make more than I can eat; and still keep my manly physique. I have been picking out large families, unemployed, etc. neighbors to give some of my extra loaves to. Consequently I have many neighbors who also call me "the bread man".
Life is Good!