It has been several months since my last update...so many things have happened, both happy and sad. The first (the sad) is that I lost my mother October 21, 2009, mere weeks before my 3-Day trek last November. My mother had been ill for many years, and 2009 was particularly challenging for her. I hadn't noticed how frail she had become until I gathered up some photographs taken of her over the last few years. As she would always say when someone "left us", she is now "happy, joyous and free of pain" and has "moved on to the second balcony". With the holidays quickly on the heels of these events, my mourning was somewhat delayed. I am now coming to terms with the loss, but often find myself thinking, "I should call mom about this". So many questions I should have asked. So many stories that I am ashamed to say that I didn't pay close enough attention to and find the details now fuzzy. I should have paid more attention. I should have taken a few notes. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. It's too late now. Don't wait to tell family and friends how much they mean to you. Ask them about their life's experiences, feelings, hopes and goals. And...really listen...
Now, for the happy. My eldest daughter Camella and her fiance Juan are getting married this coming October. We are looking forward to this event, and as many of the activities surrounding this event will occur at our home, we are in the process of sprucing up the place. This is real motivation. We couldn't be happier with her choice in a spouse and know they will share a wonderful life together. Congratulations!
