Category: Family & Friends

I lived in Punta Gorda, FL for six years back in the 1990s. My first friend here was Candy. I met her at Church as we both sang in the choir. It’s funny how quickly we knew each other. It was like two souls that had been together at some other place and time, were once again reunited.

Our first couple of years Candy sat next to me and we sang together. We even sang a couple of duets. She was so good, with pitch-perfect tone and it was easy for me to follow her.

Then the last choir director left and Candy became our organist Choir Master. She was amazing. She picked wonderful hymns and knew how to work them over with the choir.

Candy and Me. Back in the day.

So, yesterday, as I drove down US 41 to US 17 and out to Arcadia, where she is now in hospice, I was recalling so much of our time together.

Most of good old Punta Gorda was washed away during Hurricane Charley, but there were many areas I still recalled. Things that had not changed.

Yet, now, as I drove out to Arcadia, I knew that everything is about to change for me, in regard to this special place.

Getting the Governmental System to allow Candy back into Hospice was not easy. It angers and frustrates me to see that a person needs to be suffering and because an i wasn’t dotted or a t crossed, things will not be done! I think the part that makes me even wilder is that while people suffer, our esteemed Government does nothing to hold the insurance companies accountable!

In any case, after several hours of talking to Nurses, Doctors and Social Workers, Candy’s sister got her back into Inpatient Hospice Care.

I’m relieved. I leave tomorrow to return to New Hampshire, and I was so worried about who would be with her during the days. Now I know she will be well cared for.

Of course, today, when I go out to Arcadia again, it will be one of my hardest days. When I leave Candy today, it will be the last time I see her in this world. I am planning for tears, and I am expecting a downtime until I can compose myself and then drive the 40 minutes back to Punta Gorda.

Life is never guaranteed. None of us know when our last day will be. This is why I believe that we must make every day count and make sure those that we love know how we feel.

My day started with me groggily getting up and going in to check on my friend, Candy. It was only when I started talking that I realized that I still had my bite guard in! I guess I am used to it.

The day was overcast and cold once again, which is fine as I have some warm clothes with me.

Candy’s husband and step daughter arrived for a short visit. It was nice to see them.

And right around noon the minister from Candy’s church came with communion.  I felt very emotional and I admit to crying just a bit. I am, however,  so glad he came.

The home health nurse will come today. I am not sure how much she can do as Candy cannot move much.

I leave on Thursday for home and I wish I wasn’t going back right now.

This is so very hard.

 

Life has slowed down right now. There is no rushing around, and much of the time the only sound I hear is the whooshing noise that the oxygen machine makes.

My friend’s sister and I make meals, drink coffee, and keep my darling friend, Candy as comfortable as we can.

Yesterday she asked for few things to eat and we sprung into action.

She remembered my Seafood Lasagna,  so we grabbed all the ingredients for that and made it for dinner. She only ate a few bites, but she smiled the entire time.

I bought some fresh German Klosterbrot and a very fine Leberwurst, and she had small bites of that too!

Since this fabulous German Butcher Shop is so close, I also bought some Leberkase.  Today I will cook a small piece for her with an egg.

We’ve told her anything she wants she can have. Seeing her smile makes it all worth it.

At first we talked quite a bit,  but it’s hard for her to talk now. Mostly she sleeps.

I am just happy to be here, with her, caring for her.

I return to New Hampshire on Thursday. It will be my hardest goodbye ever.

But I am so grateful for this this time. In the years to come I will know the great love we have shared this week.

The Disney trip is over and I drove down to Port Charlotte to be with my dearest friend. She is quite ill and seems to be fading fast.

I know deep in my heart that I am right where I should be.

Mostly I sit quietly. Occasionally, my friend wants to talk. But not for long.

I’ve been given a great gift. The chance to really be with my friend.

Life can be so complicated some times,  but right now it is plain and simple.

I am sharing and caring for this special person at a time when she really needs it the most.

I am so grateful!

Growing up I was very lucky to have a big sister who took care of me. She loved me, nurtured me, and made sure my needs were met. And she was just 5 and a half years older than me.

Yet, all my life, she has been there for me, as a sister, substitute mother, and best friend. How lucky I am!

So today, on her birthday, I want to make sure you all know what a wonderful sister I have and how much I wish her a very Happy Birthday!!!

Mel’s Birthday from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

First I will apologize for not getting pictures yesterday. But from the time we hugged hello until the time we hugged goodbye, we talked and talked and somehow forgot.

It was amazing how time seemed to melt away, as the three of us sat talking about, life, past, present, and future.

I could recall the days when we were kids and had playdates. We ran across the grass near the chapel and parsonage. We sang int he children’s choir, and we played silly games. We also sang fun songs and just plain enjoyed being friends at such a young age.

Both women are teachers. One teaches music to little ones in Preschool to 3rd grade. The other teaches High School Latin! Which brought up the subject of our much loved Latin teachers in High School. Mr. & Mrs. Phillips. They not only taught Latin, but I actually had Mr. Phillips for US History. We all agreed that these two were very special people.

The time flew by. It really did and before I knew it two hours had gone by and it was time to say farewell. Since they do get up this was from time to time, we agreed to do this again.

I can hardly wait!

Today I will be meeting up with two women I have known my entire life. They are twins. Their Dad was the minister at our Church, and we went to school together from Nursery School until Graduation.

We found each other, after a long hiatus, on Facebook. And then we discovered that they come to my neck of the woods pretty often. Thus lunch today was planned.

I haven’t seen these two women since we graduated. But we have sent texts back and forth. I am so excited about this!

Back in the day, people had trouble telling the two of them apart. I never really had a problem, because both of them are very different people.

Oddly enough, I have had several sets of twins in my life over the years. I have never had trouble telling them apart because of personality. I’m sure my nephew and his wife would agree. They have twin sons, who are amazingly identical, and yet they have no trouble at all telling them apart. Neither does my sister. Personality is everything.

Two of my closet girlfriends are twins. My local Twin and her Sister are also identical, but I can easily tell them apart. I can even hear the difference in the tone of their voices. And my Florida Twins are also as different as day and night. I can also hear differences in their voices.

Many people look at twins and just look at the surface. They forget to look inside at the people they are.

Pictures to follow!

The most wonderful thing happened to me yesterday.  My daughter, who is vacationing with her family at Disney World wanted to Facetime with me. So, I called her, and I discovered that my grandson, Quinn wanted to talk to his Oma! I cannot tell you how that warmed my heart.

We talked for a bit and Mandy showed me around their room at  The Polynesian Resort. I also got to say hello to Savi and their Daddy, Matt.  I felt so loved!

‌Meanwhile, I am in Falmouth with my sister and cousin, and despite the rain yesterday, we are looking forward to a pleasant day today. Except that it is 4 AM and I am wide awake writing this, while my lovelies sleep.

Last night we went out to The Bear in Boots Restaurant and had a great time. We shared a huge Charcuterie Board, and Steak Tips and a Korean Dumpling. Like my friend Krista, who loves Proseco, that is what I ordered! It was so nice.

We came back to the room, watched a little TV, but mostly played Words With Friends with each other. I knew I should have brought the Scrabble game.

Today we’re off to shop, go to the gardens and tonight go out to The Landfall for dinner. Seafood, fresh off the boat is in our future!

Have a great Saturday, everyone!

‍Today we had a Memorial Service for my brother in-law’s mother, Nancy. All our family and friends gathered to say our farewell to this remarkable woman. The church was beautiful, and the service and music lovely. My sister and brother-law’s two sons, daughter and daughter in-law all spoke. They  each provided a loving tribute to this incredibly strong, resilient and loving woman.

As I said the music was lovely and I found myself listening while silent tears streamed down my face.

Nancy was fun, kind,  energetic, encouraging, and as I looked at her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren I realized what a positive legacy that she has left this world. She loved so much, and she was loved deeply!

Nancy loved to paint and had many framed scenes. Mel and Ron offered many of the paintings to family members. Her work will now be with her family to hang in their homes and remind them of this incredible woman.

The luncheon afterward gave us all time to visit, exchange stories, catch up on life and at the end, I felt such peace in my heart.

Nancy is now with God in Heaven. Her pain is over and her spirit is restored. She is with those who have passed before her, those she loved with all her heart, who welcomed her home.

God Bless you, Nan. May you rest in eternal peace.