Friday 31 October 2008

Happy Halloween


















I always think I am going to do so well on these quizzes. For some reason I think I am very smart and then I do these things. I only got 7 out of 20. What? Have fun, I did.

What day is Halloween usually celebrated on?

October 1st
October 15th
October 31st
December 25th

The tradition of dressing up started because?

We try to scare away evil spirits
It’s away to honour the dead
When the evil spirits came they would not recognize you

Another name for Halloween is?

The feast of the dead
Samhain
All Hallow’s Eve
All of the above

The Celts believed the Lord of the Dead traveled the earth on Halloween. What was his name?

Lord Seamus
Lord Samhain
Lord Shaney
Lord McShandley

Before they happened upon the pumpkin, the Irish carved their jack o’lanterns out of what?

Turnips
Rutabagas
Potatoes
All of the above

How much did the world’s largest pumpkin weigh?

1,502 lbs
714 lbs
1,524 lbs
2,752 lbs

According to the Phobia List, which phobia is the fear of Halloween?

Hallowphobia
Triskaphobia
Samhainophobia
Eat too much candy phobia

A male witch is known as a?

Witchman
Warlock
Halloweenie
There is no such thing

The first Halloween greeting card was made in?

700 B.C.
1492
Early 1900
During the Revolutionary War (1770)

This custom began as a way to see who would get married first?

Trick or treating
Bobbing for apples
Jack o’Lanterns

What does the old English word ‘hallow’ mean?

Spirit
Saint
Spook
Sin

People in which country celebrate Halloween by eating candy skulls?

Australia
Mexico
Scotland
Italy

A popular Halloween drink in 18th century Ireland was called Lamb’s Wool. It was made with roasted, crushed ________, and milk.

Apples
Potatoes
Grapes
Chestnuts

Which one of the following people passed away on Halloween?

Dwight Eisenhower
River Phoenix
Kurt Cobain
Boris Karloff

In what year can we expect to have a full moon on Halloween night?

2003
2013
2072
2020

Pumpkins grow on?

Stalks
Trees
Vines
Bushes

The Celts celebrated their New Year on?

October 13th
December 21st
January 1st
November 1st

The name given to a group of witches is?

Convoy
Coven
Cauldron
Commune

What priests first celebrated what we have come to know as Halloween?

The French
The Druids
The Christians
The Romans

At Halloween parties guests traditionally bob for?

Turnips
Oranges
Skulls
Apples


Answers:

October 31st
When the evil spirits came, they would not recognize you
All of the above
Lord Samhain
All of the above
1,524
Samhainophobia
Warlock
Early 1900
Bobbing for apples
Saint
Mexico
Apples

Thursday 30 October 2008

Falling Memories


















While holding on to them, my memories drop like leaves. Memories are made of moments and these moments help make up my life. Life is wonderful and needs to be embraced. Dare to care.

Flashbacks From The Month Of October

October 30, 2001

*Wahid’s Mom died one year ago today. Strange story – Nathan has a frame with four pictures in it from Trinidad, the picture with Wahid’s Mom in it was the only picture halfway out of the frame when I went downstairs this morning.

*The main themes of my life journey right now are: my children; my husband; my family’s health; my family’s education; making a comfortable home; being a good wife and mother. I am happy at this stage of my life and the direction myself and my family is headed.

*I was lost when I was 9 years old, my family had just moved to Windsor Park and I was starting Grade 5 at Frontenac School. I remember walking home at lunch hour and I wasn’t sure where my street was. I walked down De Bourmont, passing Elizabeth Road where I lived and kept walking till I got to Dugas which was the last street off De Bourmont. I went to a house where an older lady lived and she either helped me find my house or she had a neighbour boy of hers walk me. I think it was the neighbour boy. One thing I learned from that was it is okay to ask for help when you need it.

October 20, 2003

*I definitely feel the strongest connections to people opposed to institutions or animals. I don’t have a bond to my job or church. I don’t necessarily have a bond to my ideas but I do have a bond to my ideals.

*People delight me. The types of people who delight me are upbeat, enthusiastic, young, and carefree, in general – just a pleasure to be around. Angelique, Nadalene, and Nathan delight me. Natalie and Allison delight me.

*I admire my ability to bring people together. The qualities that stand out in this regard that I believe I have are: openness; a willingness for the people I like to like each other; the ability to leave the people with a comment that connects them together; listening skills; and friendliness.

October 1, 2004

*What I dislike most in other people is laziness, liars, false attitudes, pessimisim, life-stealers, people who won’t try.

*What I like most in other people is character, integrity, faithfulness, enjoyment of simple pleasures, a letting go, authentic, steadfastness, focus, a life giver.

October 25, 2004

*God is great. Life is good. The sun is shining through the window and landing on this very spot.

*My belief in what Jesus stood for is unshakable. My love for my children is unshakable. My fundamental principles are: love one another; treat others well; judge not; be kind; care; be compassionate; put one foot in front of another; have faith, hope and joy; and make life a well-loved entity.

October 27, 2004

*Remember that life is a gift and at 48 years of age I have to live the moments not just exist in the moments. Enjoy the pleasure. Make the feelings more intense, not just ho-hum neutral. Participate, don’t just observe.

*Heartfelt joy.

Flash Forward

My friend Julie died the other day on October 27, 2008. Julie delighted me and I want all of you to know that it is best to surround yourself with people that truly do delight you because life is very short.

To my list of Angelique, Nadalene, Nathan, Natalie, and Allison I would like to add Taylor, Elizabeth, Flossie-p and her friend Emma. I want you all to know that I am delighted by your enthusiasm and your humour.

Please do me the biggest favour and don’t be too cool for school. Keep your sense of gratitude, enthusiasm, and people loving spirits. Show your appreciation for people and what they do for you, don’t come off like you are owed or entitled because you are not.

This attitude of I don’t care, whatever, doesn’t matter to me, is so boring and so uncool, and such a yawn.

Even though I am not much of one anymore, I yell “Life-lifters everywhere unite.”

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Wednesday's Women No. 4













Julie with her two little angels claiming a shoulder each. I think the children are 8 and 6, her son being the older of the two.

Boy they sure look alike, and they sure look like they are having fun on a beach somewhere in New Brunswick. Aren’t their freckled little faces too much? Too happy, too beautiful, and now I am sure too sad.

You can’t really tell in this picture of Julie, but she was a teacher in Kuwait before she had her little angels. Julie went back to work as a resource teacher in New Brunswick this September after battling a monster that she thought had been killed.

Please no bullshit about being in a better place. After all look at her and look at the children’s faces. Where could be better than that?

Tuesday 28 October 2008

Welcome Home













Julie started the group Inflammatory Breast Cancer Mothers. She intended that this would be a small group of women who could share their stories and talk about their children.

When I joined Facebook Angelique found this group and thought it might be one I would like, she was right.

There are a few special ladies in that group and Julie, of course was the most special of them all. She gave me an ear when there wasn’t one to be had.

Only nine days ago Julie and I were having a conversation. Julie said her hair was about ready to fall out again and she was looking puffy from fluids and steroids. She also said she just needed to get through “this.”

“This” being a stem cell transplant because after all her treatment for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), rarest and most aggressive form of breast cancer which affects 1 in 200,000 people, she was diagnosed with leukemia caused by her chemo which affects only 2% of people. Julie was then given more chemo and than was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia which only 1.8% of cancer patients get after treatment. This is where “this” comes in.

I told her that she was going to get through “this” nothing else would be acceptable. I told her puffy and no hair can be dealt with. I told her that she was an incredible person and the cancer had nothing to do with it.

Only six days ago Julie posted on the IBC Research site and I want to share with you what she wrote about reaching her four year anniversary of being alive after being diagnosed with IBC.

“It was yesterday!! I knew it was coming up but I did not look at the calendar until today. I was a little less than 100% aware on the 21st as I had just started a morphine drip. I am on day +5 in a stem cell transplant protocol for Leukemia (AML).

All things being what they are...I am doing quite well! My difficulties include mouth sores, "bottom" sores and my blood counts are nearing the transfusion stage. Not easy but very do-able!

At the last minute my transplant protocol had to be changed and delayed because they retested my heart and found it was too damaged from previous chemo. Instead of 5 days chemo I had one 5hr chemo, than 3 days of radiation (20min each side/2 times a day).

Its hard to know what each day will bring. I know that sometime near the end of November I will be home and happily recovering and celebrating! I also know that I am very well supported in love and I feel safe.

Take care Ladies, you are my inspiration.”

Four days ago Julie had the stem cell transplant, her sister was a perfect match.

One day ago Julie died.

Julie you were really the one with all the inspiration; rest in peace.

Monday 27 October 2008

Dreams Sponsored By The Letter C


















Camille: The pond is calm but a storm may be brewing. Attendance at the temple may take more personal involvement by delving deeper within.













Cancer: Denotes hopelessness, grief, self-pity and unforgiveness. Very symbolic of emotional pain and a real need to change negative thinking before your pain eats you up.



















Charlton: For the people. Will work relentlessly for the underdog, showing that high ideals are possible everywhere.















Checkerboard: Indicates the many aspects and facets of your personality.



















Cold: Feeling isolated in a place where no one can come.


















Colette: A reminder to oneself that true happiness for others is a virtue that few people possess, but it is a possibility and only enhances the giver.



















Complexion: How you feel others perceive you at an initial meeting, because our media has helped you believe that you are less than you are.



















Crazy: Suggests that you have lost sight of your goals. A feeling that you are no longer able to depend on people and that your opinions, viewpoints, or decisions are not being accepted or that they are being ignored. General feeling of being an outsider.















Crowd: A need to make a space for yourself alone. Significant that worries and problems are pressing in on you.














Curlers: Going over the same problem/situation again and again without any conclusion in sight. This suggests that you are thinking in circles.

Saturday 25 October 2008

Soundless Saturday No. 11


















Sorry, as I have to make a sound to let you all know that this is done by my favourite artist on Etsy and her name is Flossy-P. She is a dream girl.

Friday 24 October 2008

Scorpio


















The birthdates for Scorpio are between October 24th and November 22nd. Ben’s birthday is October 24th.

Scorpio’s stats are:

Colour = Gold or Purple
Metal = Steel and Iron
Stone = Topaz or Opal
Tree = Holly and Blackthorn
Plants = Purple Heather and Sweet Basil

Scorpio is the sign of the scorpion which is well known for its ability to strike at any moment holding its prey with its claws and ready to finish it off with its stinger. Scorpio’s know what they want and will not strike out at the wrong moment. For this reason alone, many people think they are patient but they would be wrong; it is just Scorpio’s powerful skills at strategy that they are witnessing.

Ruled by Pluto the Greek God of the Netherworld, Scorpio’s are intimately connected with the extremes of life, with beginnings and endings, and conception and lasting legacies. Scorpio is at the heart of the constellation where the red giant star Antares burns with a fiery intensity, so it will come as no surprise that the dedication and drive of a Scorpio is unmatched in the zodiac.

A Scorpio thrives in pursuits that require intuition and deeper understanding. Scorpio’s are on an eternal quest to get to the very heart of any matter and this appears in anything that requires thought and turns up in almost every conversation they have. They are totally fearless when it comes to delving into depths that nobody else wants to look at. Scorpio’s are blessed (or cursed) with the observation skills of a surveillance camera.

Scorpio’s are loved by their Aries auntie; especially if there favourite cousin is a Capricorn. Scorpio’s staunchly support and defend anyone they care about and their energy can be motivating. In Ben’s case, his Aries auntie couldn’t be prouder of his skills at strategy. But more than that, this particular Aries auntie appreciates the loyalty and fellowship she shares with Ben and wants everyone to know that he is completely admirable.

Thursday 23 October 2008

It Doesn't


















It doesn’t matter whether somebody can be helped or not, what matters is whether or not I take pity on him. …..the important thing is that we don’t abandon them, that we continue to see them as individuals, with the same human dignity as you or I.

~~ Marcel Moring from his book The Great Longing ~~

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Wednesday's Women No. 3


















If only someone had told her that even with all her finery her appearance had not changed for the better.

All she needed was to smile and that would have brought some light to her eyes and the rose she held could have been transferred to her cheeks.

She could have saved so much money if only she had seen that her soul was half full and not half empty.

Don’t let your finery skip your face.

Tuesday 21 October 2008

Shout Out













To all the student doctors I met yesterday; just sending a little love your way.

Remember that people and life are always worth it. Always.

I’ve been digging Bright Eyes for a while now, so hook up to hear and watch the video ‘First Day of My Life’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5rhhQbyYV0&feature=related

Monday 20 October 2008

Dreams Sponsored By The Letter B













Backyard: Unconscious signals that you are trying to conceal things (note dream of fire in the backyard).



















Bagpipes: Good fortune (my Mom is from the land of bagpipes and her and I cry when we hear them).



















Barbecue: Friends or relatives will try to impose on your good nature (Nadalene and Charlton won a barbecue at Toni’s social).














Barefoot: You may be headed in a direction which is vulnerable and risky especially when dealing with sensitive issues.















Beach: Symbolizes the meeting between your two states of mind. The sand symbolizes rational and mental aspects while the water signifies irrational and emotional aspects of oneself. It is a place of transition (Wahid is from the land of sandy beaches, this picture is from Mayaro Beach in Trinidad).



















Ben: Events need to be looked at clearly with logic and not emotion (my Ben is always in my corner, I know my back is covered).

















Bereavement: A need to express your sadness and not keep it inside where it can do serious damage.



















Big: Someone or something bigger than normal indicates that you have an inflated opinion of yourself or someone else. This also represents authority and power.
















Breasts: Feeling of exposure and invasion of privacy (I have always dreamed of being in a crowd with my breasts uncovered and I am always trying to cover them up).















Burning: Intense emotions (a few days after my Dad died, I dreamt that a building was burning in my backyard).

Friday 17 October 2008

The Priest


















The priest added in a low casual voice, “But you see my son - - - homosexuality is also a sin.” I think he had no notion how little an effect the word sin had on me. He might just as well have said, “Homosexuality is bad juju.”

~~ Edmund White from his book A Boy’s Own Story ~~

Thursday 16 October 2008

On The Third Day














On the third day we buried dad.

My Father has always been so proud of all of his children. I know that he would even be prouder if he saw how we all came together to honour him and bring him to his final resting place.

When Jacquie and I went up to the hospital and my brother Harry was leaving to go see my Mom, I saw him put his hand on our Dad’s shoulder and say that he would take good care of him. And he did. We all did.

The day my Dad died I stayed home; I didn’t want to go anywhere. I didn’t want to be with anyone. There were too many words floating around in the room and I just needed some silence.

I felt had I gone anywhere I would have blown a gasket. All the words I hold on to seemed as though they were being bastardized as they were spoken over and over. I understand all these words that comfort you; I have said them to myself for almost three years. I knew they were new to other people and had to be spoken of. I knew it was just me being angry.

When I was talking to Nadalene she said ‘Now you will see all the multi-dimensional personalities come out. Just remember that it is not about you or anyone else or you or anyone else’s ego. It is about Grandpa.’ This made me remember that everyone was doing the best they can at any given time. It also helped me to let go of my ego.

I really wasn’t there for a lot of the planning. I wanted to back off as I know I have a forceful personality and since I am planning my own funeral, I didn’t want to push my ideas onto anybody else.

Harry, Dwain, Colette and Shelly went to the funeral home and handled all of the affairs that entails. I believe Colette and Dwain picked out the burial site which is beautiful. It is by a road, across from the veterans’ wall, across from where my Mom will be, and across from a pond. It is right under some trees and it is beautiful.

Mickey took care of the food. Joey did the eulogy, power point, and posters. I did the obituary. Jeannine, Suzie and Daisy, Camille and Stacy, Jacquie and Ben, Corinna, Gerry, Lisa, Quinn and Gabby hung out with Mom and kept her company.

And everyone did so many things and handled so many details that I don’t know who did what or when. It was a collaborative effort by all of us and I am so proud of all of us.

I do know that Harry would recap with all of us at the end of the day to make sure we knew what exactly was going on. For that I was thankful, because it is so important.

On the day Dad died Harry, Shelly, and Colette stopped over and at one point we were discussing the grandchildren that would play a role at the funeral and of course how everyone would want their children because we all felt that Dad had a special relationship with each of them (which of course he did).

There were only nine spots and then I mentioned that at my funeral I was going to have my family (as in nephews and nieces) do everything (it is important to me that my family buries me). When we discussed all the things they could do, such as ushers, guest book, cards, flowers, readings, pall-bearers, we realized that we had about 25 spots.

I also mentioned that at my funeral I wanted to have a family procession going into the church. They seemed to like the idea and so that is what we did.

We had a private family viewing of Dad (I thought he looked really good) and then when people were starting to arrive, we all went to the church basement and watched the power point presentation Joey made. When it was time to go upstairs we followed in this order. Mom, Harry, and Jeannine followed by the rest of Dad’s children and their spouses; then the pall-bearers; and then all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There were about 120 of us and I have heard that it was unbelievable to see us all come in.

My Dad would have loved it. He always took great pride in the sheer number of us.

My youngest brother Joey did such a phenomenal job. He made a power point presentation; posters of Dad for the walls; and he did the eulogy. He sure did not only my Dad proud but the rest of us too.

After the funeral, the family went straight to the cemetery at Glen Lawn and when we laid Dad to rest we put the red roses from the church on the coffin and Nadalene had bought more coloured roses and we put those on the coffin too.

The cemetery was almost my favourite part because it was so special to see Dad surrounded by only his family. There were so many of us that it was hard to believe. We were a ring around Dad and it was a lovely sight.

Mom was not coming back to the luncheon and to meet with people so when everyone left they all went up to Mom and hugged her and it breaks me up now to write this because it was as if she was a queen (well, she is our queen) and all of her subjects were bending down to hug and kiss her and this process took a long while.

Mom, Camille and Jacquie went back to Mom’s house and the rest of us went back to the hall for the luncheon and to meet with all the people that came to pay their last respects to our Dad.

And this all took place on the third day.

Wednesday 15 October 2008

Wednesday's Women No. 2


















I think our little mushroom lady is a bridesmaid for her best friend Fauna. I really like her little acorn bouquet because I do think simplicity is the key to elegance. The wedding is obviously taking place in the Fall, I am just not sure if it is this year or if the wedding is one that took place last year.

If only I had been invited, I could have whispered on the wind that she is beautiful and that there is no need to look so frightened.

Tuesday 14 October 2008

Election Day in Canada









Get out there and make yourself count. Vote! Because it really does matter.

Monday 13 October 2008

Dreams Sponsored By The Letter A
















Abandonment: Suggests that you are overwhelmed by the problems and decisions in your life.


















Acceptance: Indicates issues of self-esteem and measuring up to the expectations of others (Josephine has a skate-boarding Daddy named Don).


















Adorable: Love at first sight (Angelique and her Grandma always loved elephants).



















Affection: Contentment and happiness in a current relationship (Nadalene always thought Charlton looked like a lion. Happy Anniversary!).














Alone: Feelings of rejection and that no one understands you.















Amen: In agreement.















Angelique: Goodness, purity, comfort, and consolation (one of my particular favourites to dream of).



















Aries and Sagittarius: The best love match in the zodiac (me and Wahid).















Autumn: Symbolic of the cycle of life. Something ends and something new begins.















Awakening: New awareness of things unfolding in your life (Nathan).

Friday 10 October 2008

With Catholicism


















“with Catholicism as the catcher, crouched down and willing to take the most punishment, giving secret signals; Baptists as the umpires, always judging who’d erred; Buddhism as the pinch hitter, who would hit a home run if he can just get up to the bat, but if he only gets to warm the bench, that’s fine too.”

~~ Lorna Landrik comparing religions to a baseball team in her book Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons ~~

Thursday 9 October 2008

Thankful Thursday No. 1


















You know, I think I am one of those people who are not thankful enough. I am going to change that.

I am thankful for the father I had and for all of the wonderful memories I have of him that no one can ever take away.

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Wednesday's Women No. 1


















Just before I started writing my blog this year I had my sister Camille stay over for a week (she is super computer savvy) and she showed me how to do many things on the computer but the best of all was how to download pictures.

Needless to say I have spent many days downloading pictures of things that inspire me. I never realized before just how many things do inspire me.

I have many pictures of women and I wanted to share them with you so here are my Wednesday women.

Don’t you think it is totally apt that I start with Eve? Now go have an apple and start to question what is going on in your life.

Be aware and be happy.

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Last Days


















Thursday, September 25th Dad went into the hospital and he stayed there until his death on Tuesday, September 30th. So many things happened over those six days that to be honest, I don’t really remember them all.

Some of the things that I do remember, and are at the top of my list are:

The Sunday before Dad died, he gave each of his children and grandchildren (include all spouses here as to him they also were his children) the most wonderful gift. He spoke to every individual and told us all something special about each and every one of us. At this time Dad was having oxygen (I don’t remember if at this time it was through the nose or if the mask was on) and you were able to see how hard he was working at letting each person know how much they meant to him. To each and every one of us it was a gift that could only be received by the person he spoke to.

I don’t know what he said really to each person and I don’t even remember what he said to my children (I will have to ask them and replay that over in my head later. The whispers of what he said to my children and to my siblings will be a gift for me later on). But I do remember what he said to Wahid and I forgot that he even said anything to me, until Nathan reminded me of what he said. I don’t understand how I could have forgotten.

He called for Wahid in the room and when Wahid was holding Dad’s hand he said “Wahid, you are one of the nicest men I have ever known. I have a very high opinion of you, and I know that you have a high opinion of me.”

While I was holding Dad’s hand he told me “Lover, I am glad that I am dying before you. I will make a place for you and your Mom in Heaven.”

This gift went on and on and on for everyone in the room and so he was getting tired out. It was pure force of will and love that kept him going I’m sure.

My Dad, like most sane people, did not like pain. The things we all knew for sure were that he did not want pain; he did not want to die alone; and he did want someone to hold his hand.

When Dad had pain it was mostly his leg (cancer in the bones) and also when he had to go pee. His bladder had cancer and was enlarged and so it was very painful to pee. He would say piss and pecker and I hated those words. Now, I say them to myself all day long. When my Dad was sleeping and we thought he wasn’t going to wake up on Sunday, I said if only I could hear him say piss one more time and just like my Dad who never disappointed he woke up and said “piss.”

The poor nurses had about 50 people telling them he was in pain and we need meds NOW. He dozed some more.

As for dying alone, there would be no chance of that. And as far as holding his hand, well, all I can say is that almost at all times his hands were held, his brow was being eased, his head was being kissed, his ankles were being held, and there were many many bodies pressing up against him.

We all prayed and we all kissed him and we all loved him and we all thanked him for all the love he gave us.

Mickey asked us all to hold hands and she said a beautiful prayer thanking God for this man our Father (maybe I can get her to write it down and share it with you all).

Harry told us all such wonderful stories about Dad when the older kids were growing up and we lived in The Pas. Jacquie and I were born there. You’ve heard of Angela’s ashes, well this was Harry’s ashes. As he would have been under 10 years old and Dad worked on the train and I was the baby of eight children. They had a cow and no electricity and my Dad made a windmill to get wind power and Harry singed his eyebrows off trying to get the furnace to work while a blizzard raged outside. We laughed and adored him (my kids love Uncle Harry) and he talked so that my Dad could hear.

We left Mom with Dad and she told him not to leave her. He was not to go anywhere. She needed him here.

Some people went home and some people stayed. I tried to stay, but I just wasn’t strong enough, I had the will though Dad. I wanted too. Others were stronger and they stayed.

I think he did hear Mom and Harry because when I went the next morning people said he ate breakfast and talked about the stories too. I wish I was there.

He listened to Mom and Harry the night before and didn’t break our hearts yet.

At any given time (unless someone wanted alone time with Dad) these were the people in the room:

Harry, Jeannine, Jamie
Dwain, Erika, Dwain, Harry
Suzie, Peter, Toni, Donnie, Daisy (Daisy Nightingale)
Mickey, Gord, Gordie, Dane, Anders, Taylor
Camille and Stacy
Jacquie, Gil, Ben, Chrissy, Sheldon
Renee, Wahid, Angelique, Don, Nadalene, Charlton, Nathan
Colette, Rick, Ricky
Shelly, Peter, Natalie, John, Pete, Mat
Joey, Monique, Curtis, Alex
Auntie Renee and Claudette (Dad’s sister and niece)

Nadalene told me and I told Grandpa “There is enough love in this room to take you straight to Heaven.”

Later on Monday, Dad slept more and woke only if in pain. He got more medicine and slept more. At one point while we were all holding him he sprang up into a sitting position and he looked terrified. My Mom jumped up at the same time and comforted him and told him it was okay and as she talked, he completely calmed down.

I thought he might die right then and noticed Shelly was no longer in the room. I asked “Where is Shelly? We need to get her.” At that point Mom said I shouldn’t have said that because then I scared her so she told us all to leave the room except Joey.

Joey and Mom stayed in the room and Mom told Dad “You can leave me now Harry, go to the light, go see Peter and Pauline and your Mom and Dad.” Then Mom said “Jesus Christ Joey, don’t you know any dead people?” Joey stumped said “and you will see all your pets.” Mom said “Get Renee.”

I rushed in the room and Mom said “Oh Renee, I just want him to go now. I don’t want him to suffer. He looked so scared, didn’t he?” I said “Yes, he looked scared Mom. And he is trying to go Mom, but he is just storing up his energy and resting before he has to leave this life and all the people in it he loves. He just doesn’t want to leave you Mom, but he will. It is just a very hard thing to separate from all the people he loves.” We then told everyone else to come in.

Mickey had her friend come in and sing at 10:30 at night. Lisa sings like an angel and sang Amazing Grace and a song that she wrote for her sons. It was so beautiful and we all couldn’t thank her enough.

I went home along with others. Others stayed.

I woke up at 1:53 on Sunday morning and lied in bed. Nathan opened my door a little while later and I said “Grandpa died?” He thought so and told me Auntie Suzie is on the phone.

I don’t know what time my Dad died, I will have to find that out.

Harry, Jeannine, Suzie and Camille were there when Dad took his last breath. I hope that while they were thinking he’s gone, there were others saying here he comes.

Jacquie and I went back up to the hospital and met Shelly. Harry, Jeannine, Suzie, Daisy, Camille, Mickey and Gord were all there. My Mom wanted to see them so they all went to her house and Jacquie and I stayed for about ½ an hour and prayed.

One of the most difficult things I have ever had to do was leave my Dad in that room. I still find it very hard that I left him there.

If you think you know how much we love our Dad. You don’t know.

Monday 6 October 2008

Z Is For


















Zamid (brother-in-law)
Zello (Zamid)
Zac (nephew)
Zuckerberg (created Facebook)
Zaden (Julie’s grandson)

Zucchini (Charlton’s garden)
Zebra (black and white is a beautiful thing)
Zip (get up and go)
Za (only two letter word starting with z in scrabble)
Zoomorphism (Dad’s dream changing into an animal a day before he died)

Zoo (chaos and confusion)
Zinc (help get rid of metal taste)
Zero (super-consciousness)
Zany (loonie-toon)
Zeus (the god of mythological gods)

Zodiac (Aries, 2 Sagittarius, Capricorn, Taurus, Gemini)
ZZZ (not catching any)
Zero hour (beginning of the end)
Zigged before you zagged (done out of order)
Zelda (Nathan Nintendo)

Zip it (shut it)
Zealot (all religions have them)
Zombie (physical and emotional detachment)
Zenith (first TV)
Zap (Batman kicking cancer in the gut)