We must all learn to live each day to the fullest. None of us knows what tomorrow will hold. Personally Colin and I have had an extraordinary three days. Goods news on the home front but too early to share for certain.
So glad that we have the twins. They certainly keep each other occupied, especially when we are too busy to spend enough time with them on certain days.
But just a few hours before the home event I received an email. My longest and dearest friend Ena, whom I have known since the summer of grade six, who I went to junior and senior high with, the very special friend that we have visited back and forth over the years and well into adulthood. I met Ena’s children when they were very young and they were already trilingual! She had set backs in her career being a dentist to due a physical error to her made by a surgeon. Ena was always, kind and positive ( just like her mother ) and cared so very much about her family and those in her circle of friends as well as her Latvian community.
The bounty from our garden today.
Ena was one of the main reasons I rejoiced in my almost annual trip to Edmonton to see my chiropractor ( and visit with her ) and before that she would drive me to the hospital to see my ailing parents. I was very fortunate to see her last September at our high school reunion. You can click here to read that blog post .However I knew something was off with her but she wanted the event to be fun and fluffy, no serious stuff. So the last time I saw Ena was last September. I could not believe my eyes when I received the email this past Sunday advising all of us, her school friends, of her passing this past Saturday, August 10th.
June 21, 2013. Ena is sitting in the middle ( black and white striped top ). You will be missed my friend.
So a door closed on Sunday yet another is opening. I knew that Ena was giving me her blessing to move on in life. Yet I have felt her in my heart for days now. Folks reach out to your family and friends, be loving and kind. Life is much shorter than we know. I am 71 but dear Ena was only 70, she would have turned 71 this coming December 1st. I am happy to say the Ena did her best to live life to the fullest and I honestly believe that she was content and mostly happy. Rest in peace my very special and unique friend! You will always be a part of me, after all, you have been in my heart for 60 years.
Cheers my dear friend. Here’s to all the whites we have yet to taste.
I also received an email from an Isla friend telling me that her daughter was killed in an instant in an automobile crash on August 1st. My heart breaks for her and her husband and the rest of their very close family. Please everyone live and love everyday to the fullest.
I thank our girls for the constant love they give us.
Last Thursday I received a phone call from my eye surgeon. They finally finally had a cancellation. I have been waiting since mid May for one. So my right eye is being operated on tomorrow at 9AM. The left eye will be be done a week later on August 21st. What this means is that I will be free of my eye/medical obligations by October 3rd.
We are leaving here and heading south to Mexico on October 5th and plan to arrive on the Isla in the early afternoon of October 25th. Plenty of time to get settled into our Isla compound and with enough time to compete the renewal of our temporal by the end of October.
Things seem to be working out for us. Love you all and thank you for taking the time to read this post.
I am not taking many photos lately but just wanted you to see that the sunsets are happening up north here.
Sincere condolences, Contessa, for the loss of your friend. Long time friends are very special and we never want to let go of them but you will always have your memories.
Wishing you all good thing for the cataract surgery today – it was wonderful when I had it done years ago and I enjoyed many years of no glasses at all. Looking forward to good news for the sale of your home in Canada. Stay well, stay safe.
Hi Contessa and Colin, ditto to all the above. It is always sad to loose a loved one. Keep the good memories of the times you spent together. As to the cataract surgery, wishing you great success. I had them and still refuse to wear glasses as my eyes adjust just fine. Wait for the Ohhh, when you can see again and find all the colours so very bright!!!
Hope your house sells.
My deepest sympathies, losing a good friend is so very difficult. I am glad things are turning out well and I am excited for you both. Best wishes for an effective surgery and speedy recovery..
My condolences to you on the loss of your dear friend. I’m sure your surgery will be successful and you will be glad to have it behind you. Take care!
As all the above comments my heart breaks for you! The circle of life can be cruel with the death of your friend’s daughter.
Life is for the living and I believe they would both be cheering you on for this new adventure. Sending big hugs.
Best of luck with you eye surgery today!!
Sorry for the loss of your friend and also your friends daughter. Hoping to see your eye operations and we will see you soon on the Isla. We arrive on the 1st of November. Say hi to Colin for us!
Contessa,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, life is short, so live it to the fullest.
Life sure has fallen into place for you and Colin. God bless!
love reading your blog
Contessa, sending lots of hugs to you. So very sad to hear your long time friend has left. The memories will always be with you and to have a friend like Ena is truly amazing. Take care my friend, and will talk to you soon. ❤️❤️❤️🥂🥂🥂💕😘
Contessa,
Wish your eye surgery went smoothly; the most labored time is post-op time when the ATB & the anti-inflammatory meds need to be applied every-so-often thru the day. Bet my sweet tu-tu you’re able to see better on the operative one now than the other one.
Good luck with the first & the second next week !! And remember, don’t lift Wts, don’t squat, don’t get constipated ( don’t want increased intracranial pressure x at least 1 month ).
Our most heartfelt condolences and love are being sent your way for the loss of your dearest childhood friend, also your Isla friend’s daughter. Life certainly is fragile and we definitely need to take the time for our loved ones and friends, plus to be kind always to everyone. Happy to see the twins doing so well.
My Blessings have been with you all along. Grateful to hear that things are going your way. That is such wonderful news!