Fall has slipped quietly away, winter has come and Christmas is on our doorstep.
I one time wondered how those in the senior years filled their idle hours. This seldom has reason to cross my mind; time flies and I find it surprising how fast seasons, months, weeks and days slip by. It seems like only yesterday my Little Lady passed away, but the calendar tells me it is well beyond three and one-half years since she ascended the supposed glittering golden staircase.
There are those, I know, who suspect that I am lonely, but loneliness is true for only flashing moments; the spot in my heart where she continually dwells leaves no room for possible intruders. I quite often lean back in my chair, when I am writing, to ask her opinion, only to realize that she is no longer there.
Having been blessed with an exceptional friendly disposition, she was well liked and consequently well versed on sensing the pulse of general public feedback.
Yes. She left me with a smorgasbord of flowing memories, which spanned the full spectrum of ups and downs that could possibly happen in a single life. And she brought me through the shuddering deepest and darkest moments.
She had a subtle sense of humour that silently surfaced, breaking the tension, even in the most troubling of times. Her upturned smile and forward attitude brought her entire, ever-expanding circle of friends into my life.
This circle of friends was quite evident during my recent move north to my son’s family farm just west of Markdale. I didn’t have to ask any one of many twice for help when I needed it.
Trip after trip was made; they just showed up, appearing out of seemingly nowhere with precise timing. It was a job, I must admit, that I could not have done alone. To each and every one who helped in any way, I owe a tremendously big Thank You.
It is also hard for me to believe that a quarter of the year has passed since I parted company with Fergus. This is hard to shake from my mind as the e-mails and phone calls keep coming in. It is these that have eased any transitional stress that could have developed. I have many people to thank, from the bottom of my heart, for their help, concerns and comments.
In the meantime, folks, 2010 is drawing to an end and Christmas time once again approaches, and as both the Little Lady and I stem from the old school, politically correct or not, on behalf of both of us, I would like to take this opportunity, in the long- established tradition, to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a fun, happy, healthy, exciting New Year.
Take care, ‘cause we care. barrie@barriehopkins.ca 519-986-4105