The laundry is started. It's good to have the washing machine back in working order. My younger son was home from Boston this weekend, and he was glad it was working, too. We do appreciate the simple things.
My son and daughter-in-law were here from California for a few days. The happiest times in my life? Family dinners. I made favorite meals and the season's first apple pie. Claudia baked cookies. Peter helped Ken with the siding and the roof on the timber frame. There will soon be more photos to share. We did ordinary things, and those times together are always the best.
There was a solemn event, too. Saturday evening we attended a celebration of the life of Daryl Dumont, who was the father of three children and the husband of my friend. He lived his whole life in Augusta, completely involved in the community and loved by all who knew him. The evening was planned weeks in advance to be a 60th birthday party for Daryl, who was fighting his fourth bout with cancer in 37 years. Sadly, Daryl died from a stroke last Tuesday. His life was a testament to his determination ~ he told his wife in 1987, while recovering from his first bone marrow transplant, that he would be there to walk each of his daughters down the aisle at their wedding. His second daughter was married this summer, and Daryl was there to keep his promise.
Daryl and Susie's kids are in the same age range as mine. While it was a sad time, it was a unique occasion for people to come together who don't usually get together any more, now that the kids are all grown up and come to show their respects with their own families. I had a chance to hug Susie and her children, two of whom I had when I taught 8th grade English. The older daughter shared a memory ~ she remembers when I brought meals to their house. She was just five years old in 1987. It was never anything fancy, a casserole or meat loaf. There wasn't much I could do to help, but I could make dinner. It meant a lot to me that she remembered.
I wonder what I can do now to help Susie. Another friend said maybe it was time for a reunion of our "mothers' support group." Dinner together might make all of us feel a little bit better.
This weekend was a reminder that even the simplest things can make a difference ~
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6 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss, Sharon. Regardless of someone's health issues, it always comes as a shock when they pass away. There's no preparing for it, really.
I agree with Carolynn, it's such a hard time...life seems so short when we love those we love.
Jen
So sorry. It sounds like he fought a long difficult battle and it's time for him to rest. All you can do for your friend is to be there for her. Listen to her when she talks about him and just be the same as you always were with her.Getting together in your support group sounds like a good idea.
I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
balisha
Agree with all of those who made a comment. Take care of yourself and yes, simple times are the best.
You are a good friend :)
Daryl sounds like a wonderful fellow. I think your friend might appreciate joining your family for dinner. Maybe make it a once a month affair, at least for awhile...
I think it is mostly the simple things that make a difference, that change us for the better, create bridges and healing. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, and grateful on your behalf that you had that moment with his daughter to be reminded of your own kindness and how much that meant to her still after all these years.
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