Good Morning ALL! Well we have had a last twenty-four hours. Yesterday was quiet until it was not. I did some laundry, bit of cleaning, Alvin and I walked to the park and I shovelled the neighbours garage pad and driveway for them. The sun did shine for part of the day and it is shining brightly this morning. While Alvin and I were walking one of our friends (neighbour) was driving by and pulled over and we chatted for a couple of minutes from across the street. It had been months since I had seen her. We both said that we had a card and gift for each other. I asked her to let me know when I could pop by with her gift. She said that she would. After we got home, I decided to text two other friends that I had cards and gifts for to see when I could bring them by. Time just had seemed to got away on me this holiday season. It was cold and then Alvin was gone for three weeks and then it was cold again. So I did not get out to do much walking. Anyway, I heard back from one of the two and later in the afternoon, went over to drop off the gift. One hour and a few minutes later, I was heading back home. We chatted for over an hour. So much seemed to have happened and she wanted to tell me, so I listened. Sometimes people just need to share and sometimes we just need to listen. I did add my stories in here and there. I had mentioned that I had not seen our other friend until I saw her when we were out earlier for a walk. She seemed to be surprised by that revelation, and when I asked why, she did not want to answer so I left it at that knowing that I would see the other friend later. It was almost 5:00 p.m. when I got home to find a box on my front porch, I picked up the box and went inside. Alvin was wanting his supper so I fed him, and then popped a black bean burger into the oven. I realized that it was my new computer which had been delivered a few days early. That almost never happens so I unpacked my new pick iMac computer. A few minutes later I checked texts and messages and found one from the friend that I had seen driving earlier and she said “come over.” So I quickly texted her back to say that I could come but had supper in the oven so could only stay for a few minutes. When I arrived at her house (only a few door away), the friend that I had visited with earlier was there. I almost jumped out of my body. Not sure why I was surprised but I was. Nothing could have prepared me for the news. Our friend has breast cancer. She had a second surgery just last week and is waiting for the pathology results. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. We chatted and finally I had to go before my supper burned (no one wants to cause a fire). In between the news – we exchanged Christmas presents which seemed so surreal. Last night was odd. I could not get my friend out of my mind. I pray that they were able to get all of the cancer with the second surgery. Life. We never know.
I was going to post photos of this past year and a summary of what happened in our house. Maybe some wise words or thoughts. But now it does not seem appropriate. I know the stats of cancer, of breast cancer so I should not be surprised that I would know someone. Keeping positive thoughts for a full recovery for her, for my friend.
Instead, I will just say that it is a reminder to us all to listen to our “intuition” and go for checkups. Get those mammograms done, I will be making an appointment in the New Year. If we do not look after ourselves – no one else can.
Happy New YEAR, cannot believe it will be 2023 at 12:01 tonight. Where has the time gone. I am excited to set up my new computer but for now, I need a cup of coffee. Oh, this morning, earlier when we had come back upstairs, I had just opened the blinds in our bedroom to see one police car turn up the street, then a second and then a third. My heart went into my socks. What the heck? They stopped up the street and got out. Twenty minutes later they left. I hope that everything is okay. Seems like there is always a police car or two up the street and around the corner.
I am happy that Alvin and I are in good health at this time. I am grateful for the sunshine this morning. I am grateful for our family, friends, this house – our home, to be financial “secure,” and my life. We are very blessed. I am grateful for that. Many blessings.
Continuing to live this life, this coming New Year with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. hoping to be able to set up my new computer after some coffee ……….
My New Life @ 51 