I missed Smiley Monday
Actually, I have been busy this week. I had my friend Marie stay overnight on Saturday. She left on Sunday, a couple of hours before my friend Sheri arrived to stay over until yesterday.
I had a wonderful time with Sheri. She loved Lisa and admitted that she found it hard to come here because she knew it would hurt. We have kept in touch by phone and met in Edmonton. I appreciated her honesty.
We had a wonderful time. We swam both mornings - actually did water aerobics and reminisced about Lisa and our shared past - we worked together many years ago. We walked both evenings and went for a mani pedi on Monday. I had little crown painted on my large toenails (Lisa called herself Princess Lisa). I have to admit that I really like the lady who did my nails but she did not do a very good job. I know Lisa would just chuckle. That makes me smile!
On Monday, I went to 'work'. My neighbour is a companion to a lady in a nursing home. Doris is a lovely lady who was financially abused by a live in caregiver. Her husband and daughter are both in heaven. She was very unhappy when she arrived at the home. Adriana has helped her trust again. But she was concerned that Doris would regress without regular visits. That's where I came in. I am her replacement when she can't go. I used to be the manager of the unit where Doris lives so it is pretty easy.
I have been babbling but I am getting to the point. I took Doris to Starbucks on Monday and we relaxed over iced lattes. I knew she had lost her daughter but she never talked about her. I took a chance and asked "May I ask about your daughter?". She talked for a long time about her - they had been best friends, shared clothes etc. until she met a man 15 years older. Shortly after, she told her parents that she was getting married. She was 18 at the time. Against her parents advice they eloped. After that, their relationship deteriorated. The husband did a very good job of alienating her from Doris. Her dtr had a massive heart attack and passed away about 20 years ago. The sad part is that her SIL kept her granddaughter away from her and she has lost contact. Doris and I shared a tear together. I asked how she coped - she said "It isn't easy".
So that is my week so far! I am so pumped about Tahoe :>)
Lisa, I know you were with Sheri and me. We felt so connected. She misses you so much too. I know you will be with Cevyn, your dad and I next week! I miss you always and love you forever, Mum
It is hard to believe that we will be in Tahoe next week! I am getting very excited!
I had a wonderful time with Sheri. She loved Lisa and admitted that she found it hard to come here because she knew it would hurt. We have kept in touch by phone and met in Edmonton. I appreciated her honesty.
We had a wonderful time. We swam both mornings - actually did water aerobics and reminisced about Lisa and our shared past - we worked together many years ago. We walked both evenings and went for a mani pedi on Monday. I had little crown painted on my large toenails (Lisa called herself Princess Lisa). I have to admit that I really like the lady who did my nails but she did not do a very good job. I know Lisa would just chuckle. That makes me smile!
On Monday, I went to 'work'. My neighbour is a companion to a lady in a nursing home. Doris is a lovely lady who was financially abused by a live in caregiver. Her husband and daughter are both in heaven. She was very unhappy when she arrived at the home. Adriana has helped her trust again. But she was concerned that Doris would regress without regular visits. That's where I came in. I am her replacement when she can't go. I used to be the manager of the unit where Doris lives so it is pretty easy.
I have been babbling but I am getting to the point. I took Doris to Starbucks on Monday and we relaxed over iced lattes. I knew she had lost her daughter but she never talked about her. I took a chance and asked "May I ask about your daughter?". She talked for a long time about her - they had been best friends, shared clothes etc. until she met a man 15 years older. Shortly after, she told her parents that she was getting married. She was 18 at the time. Against her parents advice they eloped. After that, their relationship deteriorated. The husband did a very good job of alienating her from Doris. Her dtr had a massive heart attack and passed away about 20 years ago. The sad part is that her SIL kept her granddaughter away from her and she has lost contact. Doris and I shared a tear together. I asked how she coped - she said "It isn't easy".
So that is my week so far! I am so pumped about Tahoe :>)
Lisa, I know you were with Sheri and me. We felt so connected. She misses you so much too. I know you will be with Cevyn, your dad and I next week! I miss you always and love you forever, Mum
It is hard to believe that we will be in Tahoe next week! I am getting very excited!
Replies
I hope that you all have a wonderful time of restoration and togetherness..my heart will be with you all.
I am so glad that you could let that woman finally speak what no one else probably would listen to...God bless you. Love, Lauri
What a beautiful story...Doris had not talked about her daughter because no one had asked!!! I bet she wanted to all along and you gave her the opportunity.
I could just imagine how your friend felt by you asking about her daughter,,,,, someone understands,,,, how wonderful you are to ask.... see you soon!
I know you will have a wonderful time in Tahoe - one of these years I will go and meet you face to face. It is such a good day when we meet with friends who are able to share and we are able to listen and they have a history with us. You are a wonderful friend. ((hugs)) Vicki
Time with friends is special time indeed! And just when do you NOT have a busy week?? LOL!
And what a special gift you gave to Doris....just the simple and yet profound act of caring enough to ask about her child!!!
I am \"siked\" (as Kala often said) about Tahoe!!!!
A meeting of the hearts... Always the very best kind. Always love to hear what you are up to and how very connected YOU are dear friend.
To have others ask us about our children is music to our ears and for you to give that gift to Doris was so very caring.
Now, don\'t get too busy that you miss your flight to Tahoe or anything crazy like that. LOL!
I came across a bird that I purchased out of marble when I was in Florence, Italy, many years ago and it made me think of your Lisa. In fact, I sat there and said now this is significant for one of the mom\'s and who is it? It was for you and a hello from Lisa of that I am certain. I have been visited by so many of the kids with this move that it truly amazes me. :)
Lots of love,
XO Joanie
Don\'t we all just love it when someone asks us about our child? I\'m sure she appreciated your compassion. Sue xo
Marlene, I can imagine how much it meant to Doris to have someone ask about her daughter! Well done!
Enjoy Tahoe! Love to you and Lisa, Linda
You are a blessing to Doris. I\'m sure listening to her talk of her daughter was the greatest gift anyone could give.
I love you Marlene!!!!!!!!!
I so love reading your journals! How nice, to visit with your friends and talk about Lisa. I am so glad you visited with Doris and asked about her child. I know how much that meant to her. We all do !
Counting the days, til Tahoe !!
We leave for Tahoe a week from tomorrow!! Woo Hoo!!!
So glad you were able to visit with Doris. How special for her to share her story of the loss of her daughter with you. I hope all of the FMO moms have a very wonderful time in Tahoe. I look forward to hearing all about this retreat.
XOXO Debbie
I bet Doris really appreciated your asking about her daughter!!!
Warm Hugs,
Donna
I know Doris appreciates you, because of your common bond.
Cannot wait Tahoe is just around the corner
Hugs Penny