Post-Vacation Contemplation
I know I have tons of amazingly wonderful comments to answer here and tons of your wonderful blog posts to read. And I will. You know I will. But I want to share a little vacation story of sorts first.
(my beach feets)
Despite the cottage and beach and on-going party that was Canada, I’m just a little bit sad about my visit as Dad is a little white haired guy in church now. His hands sometimes belie just a hint of shakiness. He says this may be the last year he makes hay. Says he’s going to get rid of the 3 horses too, (tho both his mares may be pregnant! He left them with Howie’s stud for 6 weeks, so how serious can he be about giving them up? Dad’s had horses since he was 10.)
But those are just fleeting images in time. Not who Dad really is. He’s strong. Vibrant. An amazing 72.
I don’t know. I should be so glad to have happy healthy parents. Many of you have already lost yours. I’m not complaining, just realizing a little deeper that we all aren’t all going to be here forever. Not in this capacity anyway.
(Dad & Mom, 50th wedding anniversary party, last week)
Time is marching on and hasn’t stopped for me. What’s up with that?
Oh well, I guess I’m doing a little pre-grieving at how things will change. How Mom and Dad will pass on. My remaining aunts and uncles too. Jim. My brothers and sister. Kelly. Kelly’s kids. All of us. And I don’t want to be a downer but gee, I want more than ever to move back home and spend as much time as I can with the ones I love. And I don’t want to be a further downer but I really don’t want to die. Ever. I believe in God and a happy heaven but as time goes by, heaven’s getting closer and closer — not that nebulous “someday” of before.
And is it just me or does everybody feel their parents are the last of a dying breed?
So that’s where my head’s at today as I re-enter this Texas life, thousands of miles from all my relatives. As I wonder what the hell I’m doing here so far away from them anyway. I feel like the bad one in the family for letting my wanderlust carry me so far. And for staying away all these years, nineteen years in Texas now.
Thus I leave you for now and probably for several days, until I catch up with your lives.
But please don’t worry ’bout my overall state of mind — I’m sure I’ll be back to bra-flinging and / or other assorted crazy crap here soon enough.
xo
On 26 August 2009 at 10:36 am Carol | Stress Eating said,
Thanks for checking in, Jannie! There’s nothing like a visit to family to make you reflective (even you!) Living a long distance away from family myself, there have been times when I have really regretted it. But when I am there, it’s like I never left. Wonderful that your parents could have so many wonderful years together!
On 26 August 2009 at 10:41 am Lane Savant said,
Family is a wonderful thing
On 26 August 2009 at 10:52 am Lynn said,
Jannie – I like what you write about your parents – it is clear that you love them very much. My parents are wonderful like that, too. Yes – they don’t call them “the greatest generation” for nothing. I am lucky to be only 100 miles away from my folks and can see them a lot. I am sure you are missing them today.
But I am glad you are back! Thanks for stopping by my humble blog the other day – I’ve missed you! xoxo
On 26 August 2009 at 10:56 am Evita said,
It is amazing Jannie what we find when we step back and look at life a little more as an observer, rather than the active participant.
There are so many beautiful moments in life and so many amazing people we share life with, but indeed our time here is just a piece of the greater whole.
I am glad you enjoyed your time up in Canada – we are a happy bunch aren’t we
On 26 August 2009 at 1:02 pm Helena said,
I felt my father was the last of his kind. My mum died when I was young and I don’t have many good memories of her anyhow.
As long as there is room in your heart and you think of loved ones each day, then distance doesn’t have to matter. People are living longer these days and your parents are only in their early 70’s. The pictures of them (in this and earlier posts) are wonderful.
It’s alright to consider our own mortality. In fact, my son thought he’d cheer me up a few weeks ago by asking what I would like at my funeral – flowers and songs ect. Maybe I should check that insurance policy just one more time!
See you soon, Jannie!
On 26 August 2009 at 2:25 pm Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
Hi Jannie,
My mom passed away some years back and it was an eye opener. So now I make the most out of the time I spend with my dad and everyone else that is a part of my life
Enjoy your parents and everyone else as much as you can. And it is alright to feel contemplative about this stuff…it is natural and if anything, makes a person value being alive which I know you do.
Safe travels home!
On 26 August 2009 at 3:53 pm Avani Mehta said,
Jannie, I can’t imagine a life without my parents. As far as I can see, I always see them with me in my life.
On 26 August 2009 at 4:18 pm Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching said,
This is an interesting departure, Jannie, and I like it — it’s like I get to listen to the album “The Many Moods of Funster” (with apologies to Harry Belafonte).
On 26 August 2009 at 4:45 pm Lance said,
Life is…
moving on, always.
And it’s what we make it to be.
Family. Friends. Listening to our heart.
Some heartache.
And a realization that our time here is finite.
Jannie, continue to cherish what you have.
Long distance and local.
You are an amazing lady…and that’s a reflection of your parents too.
As you ride into the sunset…know that you’re in the right place, wherever that is…
Giddyup!
On 26 August 2009 at 6:23 pm Patricia said,
Reflection is just another part of life and living; the depth and courage which brings even more laughter.
It’s is like the let down after vacations of any kind – at least you have many, many days until Bopeep leaves for college and her own life.
We do spend more of our lives letting go than acquiring, it is a good skill to keep practicing.
welcome home,
hugs
On 26 August 2009 at 6:40 pm sheila said,
Beautiful video clip, I’m sure the girls will hold that and all the memories from your trip close to their hearts. Be glad that they are old enough to remember. Some aren’t.
I’m sad that your sad. Or atleast a bit down. I think you should write a song. Right now.
On 26 August 2009 at 8:09 pm Erin Prais-Hintz said,
Hi Jannie! Welcome back from vacation! It sounds like a really wonderful spot. Imagine…I opened my mail today to find a postcard with a picture of an RV on a cliff…that’s odd…and I had to read it twice before I realized it was from you! Then I laughed at how funny life is that we can touch so many souls each day and not even realize the impact that we have. You have touched my heart with your postcard and it is going right up on my wall of inspiration.
I know about the change…and parents…and age. I am dealing with some demons in that department as well. My parents are dealing privately and haven’t let me in but I know all about it. But as Lance so eloquently said, life marches on. You have so many sweet memories. That cottage looks like a slice of heaven. And your girls will have memories to treasure.
Thanks for thinking of me on your travels. I am tickled! Enjoy the day!
Erin
On 26 August 2009 at 8:38 pm MiaHysteria said,
I loved the photos. Especially of your mom and dad.
Those thoughts, the ones you’re having, are some of the hardest to have. I don’t want to contemplate all of that. I just don’t feel I’m ready to…but then again, we’re never truly ready – are we?
On 26 August 2009 at 9:43 pm Jannie said,
Hey, guys, I think I better step in here and say thanks for all your loving words and say that I’m still singing and laughing today. I always get a little weird both going to and coming back from the olde homelande.
This year hit me weird, tho.
Carol: Yes, even Jannie has serious moments. Who knew? I didn’t realize you are far from home too. How far from your family?
Lane: When family are not being total pains in the butt they’re absolutely the best thing on the planet.
Lynn: I am quite fond of those two of mine, yes. Those parental units. They have grown up quite nicely indeed. So you mean “The Greatest Generation” is always the one that comes before?
Evita: An observer, yes I am observing. Reflecting. The greater whole, with the best yet to come, it just seems so accelerated, or my perception of things. A good night’s seep tonight will no doubt do wonders.
Helena: You made me both cry and laugh in the same comment. “As long as there is room in your heart and you think of loved ones each day, then distance doesn’t have to matter,” That made me smile. And you are right! Mom and Dad are more like 60 years old, compared to older days. I know that in my heart. Thank you.
Nadia: It is comforting to know it’s okay to feel like this. I think the 50 years married thing did it, got me thinking. I do value life, yes, and I know you do too. Life is such a precious wonderful glorious thing.
Avani: When my beloved dog Chance died 5 years ago it was very very hard for me. I still miss that little guy, but a friend reminded me that he is still with me. I hope it’s like that with my parents. And all my loved ones, that they are and always will be with me. I picture your parents as fairly young. Are they?
Chris: You know I play a sad trombone too? J.K. The time to contemplate is nigh. A time to think about the sky. You know that I would be a liar, if I were to say to you, my love is but a funeral tyre. Sorry, not too on the ball with this at the moment. More apologies to Jim Morrison.
Lance: You are amazing, you know. Cherish what I have here and far. Whipping out my lasso now and hitting some happy trails and thoughts. Thank you, your words were more than touching.
Patricia: A deep and meaningful comment on a deep topic. And BoPeep, I feel quite sad when she goes on a sleep-over, miss her so much. I’m gonna have to find a few hobbies when she goes off into the world. But she says she’s going to live with us forever, so I can handle that.
Sheila: The girls love getting to ride on the tractor. And to ride back the lane in Poppy’s truck, with no seat belts on. I’m okay, I’m okay. Really. Just something I had to get off my chest to move forward. Good idea of writing a song right now! Maybe I will as I drift off to sleep soon.
Erin: You must’ve wondered who that nutty stranger was sending you a postcard. I still owed you a thank you note for the goody package, hope that sufficed. Ooo your wall of inspiration, sounds lofty. And I hope and wish you well in everything.
Mia: I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to go there, to those unthinkable thoughts. But if you ever have to I hope you will share, and not keep them inside, worrying alone.
Thank you all. And good night. I’m sooo tired. It’s soon midnight in Eastern Canada, and I’ve a bit of jetlag still.
On 26 August 2009 at 10:28 pm Talon said,
Jim must be delighted to have his girls home!
It’s always a bit of a shock when we don’t see family and friends on a regular basis how much they change and how they age. And once in a while it jars us enough to force a reacquaintance with mortality. And that’s not such a bad thing either…as we sometimes take things for granted and I think it’s a reminder to really enjoy the moments you have together and be fully present in those special moments. Thankfully we don’t live with that sense of mortality all the time or we’d be frozen with fear.
Your father drives a mean tractor, Jannie! And Kelly and her cousin look right at home on it! xx
On 26 August 2009 at 11:26 pm Avani Mehta said,
Yes, they are in their early 50s.
On 27 August 2009 at 2:03 am Thomma Lyn said,
Oh Jannie, I related deeply to your post. I’m in a similar place with my parents. My parents are close in age to yours – Daddy is 71, Mom is 67, and both are having some health issues. It staggers me to think how fast time has gone. Recently my sweet brother (a year and a half younger than me) digitized some old family photos from when Mom and Dad were young and bro and I were babies and toddlers. They were precious, and they brought more than a few tears to my eyes. Those vibrant young people. Those small kiddos. The kiddos are now “middle-aged” but I’m darned if I can figure out what the heck that’s supposed to mean because I don’t feel “middle-aged”, I just feel like me, as I always have. But I look around at my loved ones, and yes, ch-ch-ch-changes. Sobering ones that remind me how father time’s beard keeps growing longer.
Where has the time gone? And why does it seem to go faster all the time (couldn’t help second use of the word “time” but seems somehow fitting)?
I don’t know the answers to those questions, but I know one thing and that is life is precious. Life is love. Okay, two things. Love is life, I should say. That is the most important thing in our lives, and all the rest is gravy.
Sending lots and lots and lots of xoxoxoxo xoxoxoxo.
On 27 August 2009 at 3:48 am SnaggleTooth said,
Welcome back, Miss post-vaca Blues-
Nobody wants to die (except the suicidal), altho we get used to the idea we all will, sooner or later. I visited an Oprah article saying we don’t have to, referred from Robin’s I think, n we need to unlearn death.
Unfortunately I’m depressed as hell over 2 deaths this week already!
(I’ve been checkin here every night, I’ve been sufferin’ from Jannie with-drawal)
Your parents look great at their 50!
On 27 August 2009 at 6:43 am Robin said,
Hi Jannie – welcome back to the land of good werds. canada peeps sound like aussie peeps. Your parents seem to be doing very well – who knows – things might all change in the next few years and everything may turn out quite differently from what we expect.
On 27 August 2009 at 7:21 am Lynn said,
Yes – “the Greatest Generation” referring to the World War II era and just after and the Tom Brokaw book. Your parents are most likely a little younger than mine. Glad you are laughing and singing today.
On 27 August 2009 at 8:46 am Jewel/Pink Ink said,
Glad you had a wonderful vacation, welcome back!
How wonderful for you to enjoy your parents in their golden years. I think the best legacy they can leave is for you to be the person you want to be, even if that means succumbing to wanderlust. But it is hard, isn’t it, to be away from family?
My sister is in Ireland and my brother in the Philippines. Thank goodness my parents live an hour away from me. My children are lucky to get to know and love them in a way I never did with my own grandparents.
On 27 August 2009 at 8:50 am wade said,
Well that’s a very fine piece of writing Jannie. I’m glad to have you back in Texas,even though I can understand your heart being somewhere else.
I never worry about death at all, but I’m as scared as hell about dying.
On 27 August 2009 at 9:12 am Dot said,
Welcome back. Canada peeples swares more than Texans? Hmm.
On 27 August 2009 at 9:32 am Glenn Buttkus said,
Jannie, lady of the bra-flinging, ass-kicking, song singing, and blog roaming. It is so good to have you back in the bosom of dried and burnt Austin. Has there been some rain yet? Egads! As with others, thanks for stopping by my site, even while you were in Canada. Let’s hope your Dad hangs on to his horses for at least another year. Colts will rejuvenate him. I guess you had an attack of “pure sight”, where upon you really noticed, really “saw” your parents. Let us assume that your loving parents have 10-20 more good years in them, that Bopeep will be in college, or have youngins of her own before they make that Great Transition. I like the commenter who quipped,”Death ain’t no biggie, it’s the dying that is unpleasant.” I have had to face my own mortality, secondary to some health issues, and I am here to tell you, death is a doorway, just another journey on our spiritual path. The spark of life that you emit glows so brightly it must have taken 27 lifetimes, former lives, for you to hone those skills.
Yes, there is a bigger picture that we just cannot fully fathom as mere mortals, here in lesson, relearning the secrets of the universe yet again. Thanks for including a pic of your parents; lovely looking critters, enit?
And I agree, Jim must be delighted to have his girls back in the bosom of Texas. It is wonderful that you are so comfortable with We Funsters that you pour your soul
out for us, like maple syrup on the pancakes of our cortex, lumps, wax, and all. Thanks for just being who you are, and are becoming. We are pround to be on the Funster Ride.
Glenn
On 27 August 2009 at 10:04 am Tess The Bold Life said,
Jannie,
What a touching post. I leaned how to drive a tractor when I was 10. When our parents weren’t home we’d take them out to the fields and race. I enjoyed the tractor ride!
My dad left in June and my mom’s kidneys are failing as I write. When back for a week last week. She’s slowing losing her strength as the toxins don’t leave her body. It is sad. It’s weird as well.
So grieve as long as you need, know I’m here and then get back on the horse and like Lance says giddyup!
On 27 August 2009 at 10:08 am Susan Helene Gottfried said,
I don’t think my parents are the end of an era; they’ve managed to remain pretty contemporary.
But I do know what you mean and where you’re coming from. I chose to return to Pittsburgh with my parents’ old age in mind. It wasn’t easy — I, too, want to wander — but I know I did the right thing. Besides, the Tour Manager was here, waiting for me.
On 27 August 2009 at 10:52 am Chris said,
I love this post. Family IS so important and time is so fleeting. I sympathize. It’s difficult to live far from your roots. Doesn’t mean they run any less deep, though. XO, Chris
On 27 August 2009 at 11:56 am Paige said,
Back already? hole-y cow you have only been gone what a couple of…oh, I don’t know seems like forever.
Glad y’all made it home safe and sound, well safe anyway. and thanks by the way – my beloved was so jealous. I bet Austin almost seems a bit mundane and normal now, huh?
so August is the bestest month to go north to Canada? It’s on our list ‘of want to go to countries’
my folks are in their early seventys and daddy looked like he was gonna cry when we went home after my last visit to their house; which was weird and still bugging me
{hugs}
On 27 August 2009 at 1:04 pm Jannie said,
Everybody! I am slowly working my way to your blogs. I’m being very systematic in my approach to catch up with all, answering comments then visiting that blogger’s blog in the order the comments came in. I’m about halfway through my “Leaving On Three Airplanes,” post already. Slowly but Shirley. So don’t think I’m playing favorites when you see my gravatar on others’ sites. Okay?! Okay!
hee hee.
Talon: Jim and the pets in hog heaven with Kelly and I home, I do believe. Kitty was so happy he climbed the ladder to one of the living room beams. I’m serious! He is such a character. The fish? Not so much happy, oblivious actually. I played guitar and sang a couple of songs in church with Kelly and Alyssa and saw my sweet little daddy down there, an elder in the church now. When I was a kid those little old men seemed like foreign planets. You know what I mean? Actually the faces of our loved ones never really change, I read that in a good novel once and find it to be true. Anyhoo, this is teh day we get to enjoy. Have you seen this video over at Tess’ yet? http://theboldlife.com/2009/08/did-you-know/
Avani: Early 50s, wow – babies! Enjoy them, as I am sure you do. You live in the same town as them? And who do you look like most – your mom or dad, ’cause you sure is pretty!
Thomma Lyn: Your mom is the same age as my husband!
Middle-aged? I think that starts at 55, right? (At least that’s what I’m telling me.) You know that Alan Parsons song “Time?” What a great haunting tune — wish it were playing loudly here in my headphones right now, I’d say out loud but I’m at the library and the other patrons might not dig it. Thanks for your lovely sentiments, Live is Love. I do know that. And appreciate it. Feeling much better now.
Dear Snag, I’m fully flattered to think you would be checking in to see if I’ve posted. I’ll be posting again tomorrow morning brite n early, something lite and brite. Did I just write n for and?? I must be turning into a Snag clone — not a bad thing. As I wrote this post I thought of your Mothers Day post and how yours is gone on, that post of yours touched and stuck with me. Oh, and I can’t wait to get to Robin’s post — but I must continue this systematic blog answering and reading approach, or risk going more nuts than usual.
Robin: Actually I love the constant swear words of my homeland! Blue Bunny is such an old fuddie-duddie. It was funny, Kelly was in Canada 2 days and remarked “Mom, everybody here swears so much.” “Frig” comprises about every second word out of the Atlantic Canadian’s mouth. I can’t wait until Australia!
Lynn: I wonder did the ancient Roman and Greeks think their teen generations were responsible for the moral decline of those civilizations, and did the adults think their parents were the last of a dying breed? I bet ya they did! But I could also very well not have a clue.
Jewel: Wanderlust for me came by way of a very handsome and interesting man who just happened to become the love of my life and just happened to live in Texas. You and your siblings are certainly far-flung. Lucky you and lucky your kids to be close to your mom and dad. Actually, we are moving back to Canada, thought it would be next year but it may take an additional one.
Wade: I AM glad to be back. And your comment reminds me of what Joe The German said, ” I do not believe in God, but I am afraid of Him.” You ever meet Austin’s own Joe the German, last name Mueller? Now age 67? You’d never forget him if you did meet him.
Dot: Tahnk you. “Cussing” as it’s referred to in Texas is not generally acceptable among people you’ve just met, or even ones you’ve known a while. A general Southern thing I have noticed. In Canada we just let ‘er rip, whether that’s a good thing or not. I love NY’ers, they swear like bastards.
Glenn: Rain? Whats’ that? I’m sure Dad will have his horses for many years, you know how people get in moods and they say things they might really not mean? I think that was his bent on that. And thank you very very much for sharing of you too. you are a big star here to me in Funsterland.
Tess; I learned to drive tractor young too, much to the chagrin of the boys on the hay wagon when I’d pop that clutch, which happened about twice a minute.
Can your mom get a kidney transplant? I wish I was there to give you some big hugs and a box of donuts, Tess. xo
Hi Dear Susan: I’m not really sure if I mean an era in particular with parents, but more of a frame of reference as new wisdom is gained with age. A new way of seeing as layers of life are revealed. Hey, can you fly direct non-stop from Pittsburg to Bermuda? That’s a nice little respite. I’ve been there only once, but loved it. And not too hot there, which is nice.
Chris: I know you can relate to this with your dear Mawmaw aging too and you being such a family person. Tomorrow’s post will be a bit lighter! Roots and wings, roots and wings. That’s what we’ve got. And this moment. Again, I turn your attention to a wonderful video… http://theboldlife.com/2009/08/did-you-know/
Paige: Seems a long, long time since I’ve been here, yes. Tell beloved you’ve both got a standing invitation at our cottage, okay?? Yep, August great in Canada, but go to either of the coasts, they are the best places (sorry, Talon,)
to visit. Gotta love the ocean. Go to Nova Scotia. Or go to Maine. Before I left my mom said she missed me already and we both cried, so I know what you mean. How far do you live from your parents’?
So you have it, folks for another installment.
Now off to that Leaving On Three Airplanes post. I think I’m off to Dot’s blog next!
xoxoxoxoo
On 27 August 2009 at 1:57 pm Avani Mehta said,
hahaha no one has ever called my parents babies. But yeah they are quite young. The cast that I come from, people get married quite early. Especially girls – crossing 25 without being married would be a cause of worry.
Since last one and a half year, I have been staying away from both families – mine and my hubby’s (I in US and family in India). But back in India, both families stay at a 30 min walking distance – lucky me.
I am not a carbon copy of either one – got a little from both. But my mom is prettier than I am.
On 27 August 2009 at 2:03 pm Jannie said,
Avani, your mom must be one cute lady!
I think living about 60 minutes from one’s parents might be good, close enough but not TOO close.
And your comment reminds me of what Grannie Clampett said about the age of marriage…
Thirteen, Fourteen — a girl’s in her prime.
Fifteen, Sixteen — she’s still got time.
Seventeen, Eighteen — she’s almost done.
Nineteen, Twenty — get the gun.
On 27 August 2009 at 3:11 pm Avani Mehta said,
Jannie, in India, we live with our parents & grandparents. Usually the girl joins her husband’s family. 30 minutes seems quite far to me actually. Earlier we used to stay at 5 minute walky distance. Now that was ideal! Just hop – skip and you are there.
Mine is not a joint family but otherwise, all siblings with their family and sometimes, husband’s father’s siblings and their family stay together as well.
Grannie Clampett’s saying is hilarious. But was true in my granny’s time.
On 27 August 2009 at 9:06 pm Zeenat{Positive Provocations} said,
Hi Jannie,
This post was an especially touching one. I lost my dad few years back…and i still miss him so much. My Mum is healthy…so i make up for the loss of my dad…by giving quality time to my mum. I do live far away…but i make it a point to call her everyday…and visit every few months. The most important transition for us is to actually believe we have grwon up…and in growin up i think we need to take care of ourfolks like they took care of us when we were little. Cherish every moment with your folks and all the people in your life….cause these charished memories are the ones that will remain in the hearts and minds of people long long after we have gone into the sunset.
Lots of love.
On 27 August 2009 at 9:26 pm Liara Covert said,
You do not permit the self to be enslaved by any thought that evokes negativity, in any form. You shun away from fear, sadness, grief, and the like. Your key defense is to turn away from fear, and to love all, be all that is. Be joyful for what you experience, for who you know, and the time you are given. To focus on the moment is to realize where you stand now. This is a period of love and abundance. Do not instill in your heart experiences of sudden fearful situations. View them from a distanced perspective. Be happy and energized for all you know. Energy is immortal. You are always in control of how you feel, whether you keep a high energy vibration or not.
On 27 August 2009 at 9:40 pm Talon said,
Thanks for video link – truly beautiful.
On 28 August 2009 at 12:51 am Barbara Swafford said,
Hi Jannie,
Welcome back! You were missed, but it’s great to hear you had a good vacation.
Unfortunately I lost both of my parents. All I can say is enjoy the time you have with them – near or far, communicate often, make memories however you can, and don’t forget to tell them you love them.
Oh yeah! And take LOTS of pictures.
On 28 August 2009 at 3:07 am J.D. Meier said,
I know what you mean. Dying wouldn’t be that bad except it lasts such a long time.
One of my favorite sayings is don’t be afraid of dying, be afraid of having never lived.
As Randy Pausch put it, “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer, but by living well.”
On 28 August 2009 at 6:50 am Holly Jahangiri said,
Jannie, the older we get, the more we have to lose…and the more cognizant we are of the fact that we WILL lose it all. But there’s the rub: Would you trade one moment with your parents, not to feel the pain of losing them some day? Would you ask THEM to outlive YOU, and cause them that unimaginable pain? (You’re a mom, you know what I mean.) And so this is the circle of life: beautiful, sad, joyful, scary, and wonderful enough that we want to hang on by the skin of our teeth through thick and thin. Treasure every moment. Don’t focus on the losses to come, but treasure today, knowing it can’t last forever.
On 28 August 2009 at 7:00 am Jim Gaudet said,
I have to say congrats to your parents, 50 years is an accomplishment!
On 28 August 2009 at 7:03 am Jannie said,
Avani: Your country sounds very loving and family-oriented. I look forward that I’ll be living closer to my family someday soon. And in the meantime I’ll communicate a LOT!
Zeenat: Lucky you and your mom for all that quality time, how special. I am sorry to hear of your dad, I’m sure he was very very dear to your heart and always will be. How far away in miles or kilometers do you live from your mother? I’m reading your comment again and feeling tears well up at your sweet words of wisdom, thank you.
Liara: I feel a watershed time has just happened for me. So many comments here to take to heart, reminding me it’s always a period of love and abundance. Energy is immortal, yes, and love and happiness. New paths are being forged in my being. Thank you.
Talon: I watched it again last night. Gratitude is the only response to life. Isn’t it just the BEST??
Barbara: They are all so precious, the relationships of love. I am sorry for your loss of both your parents. You inspire me very much with this comment and your advice to communicate love whenever possible. Thank you.
J.D. Randy Pausch does put it all int perspective for us, does’t he? Thank you for your beautiful touching words and the reminder to live life to the max.
Holly: It is very astute what you say. Mom and Dad have already outlived 2 of their 6 children. I would never wish another on them. Yes, 4 children of us remaining. Thank you for the reminder to treasure all I have. I feel like a bit of a heel now, like I’ve been ungrateful or something but I guess this was just something I had to allow myself to feel and get past. Thank you so much for you rwisdom.
Jim: Yep, it truly is something rarer and rarer these days to see a couple reach 50 happy Golden years. It can be done, for sure!
On 28 August 2009 at 3:49 pm Caity said,
*hugs*
Jannie, you are such a special person. You truly are. My parents are still quite young but I can’t say I haven’t thought about my parents in that way before especially since things have changed around here lately especially with me getting married and moving out on my own.
Your visit looks so nice and peaceful and what a special occasion for you to celebrate their 50th anniversary. That truly is a mementos occasion! I got to celebrate my grandparent’s 50th with them and I remember it was such a special thing.
Congratulations to them.
On 31 August 2009 at 10:14 am Karen said,
What a profound post! It is good to cherish our families and realize that they may not always be around. I loved reading Kelly’s comments. Such a character!
On 31 August 2009 at 10:50 am Jannie said,
Thank you lovey Caity and lovely (gravatared,) Karen! Your comments touched my heart deeply. I AM SO HAPPYYYYY with blogging and all you lovely bloggers xoxoxox
On 1 September 2009 at 1:32 pm Jannie said,
Ahhh, 44 comments. My life is complete.
On 2 September 2009 at 12:50 pm Katie West/The Levity Coach said,
Jannie,
This post is important and it has been on my mind too. All parts of it. I am glad you had this time with your parents….cherishing each other is what it is all about. Thank you for expressing these thoughts.
So about this death thing…I am thinking I do not like it one bit. I am thinking of aiming for immortality. I think it is possible. Wanna join me in trying for it? Or how about ascension…that would be cool too–and that has more of a levity bent to it-so it could be a tax write off.
On 2 September 2009 at 1:30 pm Jannie said,
Katie: Yeah this death thing kind of sucks,if you ask me. But I’m totally up for that write-off, too. Maybe even accrue a loss carry-forward? You freaking CRACK ME UP, Girl! A true levity-mistress, thru and thru. Glad we’ve met!!!