This week...

This week a very courageous man, a good friend Brett Davies finally lost his battle with cancer. We met Brett 15 plus years ago when we decided to join the Port Moody Aquarians Swim Club. Brett and his wife Colleen and their children Meghan and Evan were already a part of that family. Brett was a stroke official and he was part of Darcy's mentoring team. Brett used to work for Pepsi and so we seem to always have lots of pop on deck in the early days.
Brett made sure he lived his life to the fullest. Despite aggressive treatment, he weathered it all with a sense of humour. He would write newsy emails on how he was doing and what he was doing and he made sure he made the most with trips and adventures right up to the end. I had the pleasure of having Brett and Colleen become members at Glen Pine. I was glad to see him in the last little while still trying to be active even with his scooter and his oxygen tank in tow. I knew things were changing when Colleen called to say that Brett was not going to make it to the Book Club to do is presentation on the book they were reading. I am glad that I got to spend some time talking to him when he came to visit the centre. Meghan says they will plan a Celebration of Life which is what he would have wanted instead of a funeral service.
Helga also left for Germany a week before her planned trip as she got a call that her mum was in the hospital and possibly on her death bed too. This left her scrambling to catch a flight which she did on Wednesday afternoon. Her mum is 85, stricken with Alzheimers and really has seen her quality of life steadily decline in the last little while. For Helga, her passing would be very sad but a little relief from the worry of being so far away. I have not heard an update since Thursday.

This leaves me acting for Helga at work so on top of my own work I am doing hers too. Unfortunately this decision was made with no choice for me but to take on the role leaving Karen feeling a little upset that this stint was not shared between us as it was last time that Helga was away. I hope Karen does understand that this decision was made with the support of management and HR and not Helga alone...she has had a little rough time at work and her issues dog her but this has to be her test and her awakening to continue to make changes that will positive affect her work life. Anyway, its a very busy time for me between work, wings and home. Darcy has an interview on Thursday that we pray will work out for us...if not...back to the drawing board once more.
I was debating about Halloween decorations or not, but finally decided that I would for the little kiddies and because its what we have always done. So while it was not raining, I got the lights and the decorations out.
Plus Caiti is coming home next weekend so she will be happy that life at home is the same. Chrissy has been working steadily her 35+ hours a week and taking on an online/correspondence course in Biology to prep herself for a comeback to school when the time comes around.
The dogs are all good...all 3 of them. Sometimes I wish we only had just one but they are all good dogs with their own personalities.

Thanksgiving Weekend

This was one of the strangest Thanksgiving weekends I have had.
On Thursday we had a Thanksgiving Themed Lunch at Glen Pine with entertainment to follow. It was very well attended and the singing after enjoyed by all....it was oldies that the seniors love and grew up with.
Darcy had testing at HR on Friday morning so I went to work for half the day because on Monday I worked a 12 hour day. So on the way home, we decided to buy a smaller turkey and have a mini-turkey dinner that would be ready when Chrissy got home from work. On Saturday, we lounged around the house and later in the afternoon went out for some errands and to get the ingredients for the infamous Cheesecake that Darcy was bringing to Connie's on Sunday.
On Sunday, we did absolutely nothing until we had to leave for Connie's around 5pm. Madga's parents were invited and Chrissy and Sheldon joined us after she was done work but still in time for Thanksgiving dinner. So today is another day off to read up the DRO manual for tomorrow's long day working for Elections Canada. Took my EDO day to work. Darcy is also doing a poll and as always Sharon is our supervisor over at Seaview. It will be like a 15 hour day so we need to pack food and be prepared for it. I always enjoy this stint as there is something good about exercising this democratic right and enabling others to make the vote.
Caiti is not home and Chrissy worked Sunday and today so it was not like any Thanksgiving past. It has been difficult to think of things to be thankful for at this time because everything seems to have been such a challenge so far. I just want things to get back to normal and me not having to feel like I am bearing the burden of everything. Chrissy bought the dogs a special Thanksgiving in a can din-din and they never get that sort of food ever but they if anything have enjoyed Darcy being around for them much more than usual.
Anyway...it is rainy today and thats ok with me. I have indoor things to do.