Florida has some spectacular sunsets. I’ve seen more than a few since I first arrived over a week ago. I’ll miss them, but I remind myself that the winter skies in my neck of the woods also bring gorgeous sunsets.
That black speck is a plane.
This morning we will send off some of my dad’s paintings (he loved to paint in oils) to my brother’s children and my cousin. I’ve packed up a box to send to the cottage of pictures and items that remind me of my parents; wind chimes, three of my mother’s crosses (she collected them), my dad’s golf hat, some tools that my dad used, bits and bobs. I’m also sending home a small painting that my dad did fairly recently and an oil painting that I’ve always loved that was painted by my great-aunt Ruth, my maternal grandmother’s sister. I have one of Ruth’s paintings on the wall at home – it’s the small painting of the farmhouse in Canada where they lived as children.
We’ll also do a bit more sorting today. Then it’s off to the airport to fly home. I’ll miss my family here, there has been enormous comfort in being with them for ten days. But it’s time to be comforted by my husband and my little furry girl, to be enveloped in a big husbandly hug, to have some quiet time in which I can come to terms with the death of my father.
I finished the first obsession scarf and have started on the second.
This one is a bit heavier in weight and is a mix of lovely blues and turquoises and greens. I will be listing both of them – and maybe more, if I keep this up – on Etsy. I’ll get a better picture of these colors when I get back home and can use my big girl camera.
I’m so glad I stayed down here. Meredith and I needed to be with each other. I was able to take care of a lot of necessary tasks while Mer was at work. We drew strength from each other when we were sorting through things at the condo. We were able to make decisions more efficiently.
Yesterday, after more errands, Meredith said, “Do you want to go out to lunch?” I had been thinking the same thing. We haven’t had time to just be, the two of us. It was so nice to stop and breathe and do something, anything, that wasn’t a task that had to be done. I suspect my dad’s death will hit us both in ways we can’t imagine in the coming weeks.
There is a lot more to be done with Dad’s estate, but that will take time. In the meantime, we need to breathe and think and remember.
Happy Saturday.
I think going through things and sorting and thinking helps come to terms with the loss of someone dear. I was thankful to have taken care of my parents’ things and just spending some alone time surrounded by things that they lived with was healing. I was glad I could do that for them. Even though it was difficult, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Have a good trip home and tell Meredith I’m thinking of her. xxoo
Eileen
It does help. We’ve finished sorting everything of emotional value and some memories are headed your way, Eileen. Love to you.
Such striking colours in your photos – the clouds would be fun to paint.
After the church service for my dad, my sister asked me to choose a few items to take home before she dealt with the sale of the house. I chose one of my dad’s oil paintings which hangs in my kitchen today. My one brother asked why I didn’t choose something ‘important’ instead of a worthless amateur painting. I suppose it’s not surprising that we haven’t spoken since that day.
You are heading north and all my colleagues are heading south this week in search of warmer climates. We had a snowstorm the other day and it looked exactly like the scene from The Wizard of Oz where it snows on the poppies. Quite magical, I thought.
Have a safe journey home.
The comment from your brother makes me sad, Barbara. Thankfully, you chose from the heart.
Your lunch with your sister reminded me of what we did a week after my Dad’s funeral. My sister & I had previously made plans for a weekend get-away in a town full of antique & gift shops. We decided to go and encouraged our Mom to come with us. The cozy hotel, where we had reserved a room, kindly provided us with a roll-away bed. It was so good for us to just breath and be with each other for a couple of days. Wishing you safe travels and may you enjoy the comforts of your home.
Thank you, Debbie.
Safe travels Claudia. I am so glad you were able to spend this time with Meredith and take care of so many things. It isn’t easy and his death will hit you hard at the strangest times but it’s part of the healing process also. I have some things from my Dad that are sentimental and they mean the world to me. How sad that some just see the money after a family members passing. Hugs to you and Meredith.
Linda
Very sad, Linda. Thanks so much.xo
It sounds like you were able to get a lot accomplished in your time there. The memories are what is important and you and Meredith are making some new ones this week. I am so glad you have been together to support each other during the past week. How wonderful to have paintings of his and photos. I chose a teacup when my Grandma died and my cousins couldn’t understand why I didn’t fight for some of the antiques. The teacup held my memories of drinking tea with her EVERY night with Grandma when I visited. That’s what I wanted. Have a safe trip home my fri d.
Blessings,
Betsy
Thank you, Betsy.
Glad you’re heading home………the leaves are flying and there’s raking to be done!!!! Be safe and have a good trip home.
Thank you, Linda.
I’m so glad you were able to get so much accomplished…yes, there are still matters to deal with, but it sounds like you are off to a healthy start. I’m sure you are looking forward to seeing Don and Scout. I imagine a comforting reunion. Safe travels! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
You have a lot to “just be” with Don and Scout. Let the next few days unfold naturally. You’ll want to talk, you’ll want to be silent, you’ll want to smile to yourself about a good memory, and you’ll want to weep. I’m glad you have someone to help you through the grief journey, both your sister and your husband. There’s nothing lonelier than making the journey all by yourself.
Thank you, Wendy.
Claudia, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I am so far behind in my reading and just saw it this morning. I know this is a difficult time for you, and I am so glad that you had the time with Meredith. Have a safe journey home to your loved ones. xo Laura
Claudia, I have been thinking of you and your sister. I am glad you had some to be together just to talk. I know you will be happy to be home with your Don and Scout. I hope one day you will post pictures of your father’s paintings. Bless your heart, xoxo,Susie
I bet Don and Dame Scout will be glad to see you! I am glad you and Meredith have each other. I love my brothers, but always wished for a sister. Sisters seem to have a bond, especially at a time like this. Still praying for your family.
Safe travels and a beautiful reunion with Don and sweet Scout. I am sure they have been counting the hours today (and you probably have been, also)!!
Adjusting at home will be the next process to get through. I am so glad you got another painting. It is funny ~ I have an old tin measuring cup my Mom used all the time. Over the many years of use, it has developed tiny holes in the bottom, and doesn’t hold liquid or even flour any longer, but whenever I get set to do a baking of several kinds of cookies, or multiple banana or zucchini breads, etc. I take out that “useless” measuring cup and set it on the counter with me. The little things, the things that invoke memories, are the sweetest things we now have remaining with us.
Sorry to be so late Claudia…I had a busy day with lots of shopping to do..I hope your trip home went well for you and you all had a happy reunion…I love the colors of that scarf…
The time spent with your family I’m sure was a comfort and Don and Scout will do the same. I know your scarves sell quickly— I’m suggesting you choose one of them for yourself to get you through the winter and your grief.
It might be worn much like an arm band or a talisman and it may be a source of comfort too. Just suggesting.
Grace and peace.
I have several of them already, but I’ll probably choose to crochet one for myself this winter, Pat. xo