"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"
Remember that book title?
And the ending to it -- "and it's all small stuff." At least that's how I think it went.
There was a woman on the bus going home yesterday, whom I'd not seen in quite some months. She lives in the townhouse complex below mine, is retired, has grown kids.
I asked if she was getting ready for the holidays (she had a shopping bag in hand) and she said she wasn't sure what she'd be doing this year, because her husband died suddenly in the spring. She took him to the hospital on April 30th and five hours later he was dead, utterly unexpectedly. They had just bought a trailer (to camp, for the summer) and he was looking forward to enjoying their retirement together.
You know, she calls me by name, but I can't for the life of me think what her name is, if I ever knew it at all.
She said she had been at the hospital, getting the paperwork in order to volunteer, because she didn't want to sit home all winter long.
We chatted for a while, because though I've not lost a spouse to death, I've had my own losses, including the split with the ex, and my own emotional struggles. Her daughter is telling her to bake and do all the things she normally would and I told her to do what feels right, each day, and not to put pressure on herself to do a darned thing, if she doesn't feel up to it.
Work issues (assuming one has a decent job, of course) is small stuff.
And Judi from SASS, one of the long-time and beloved cat bloggers, finally died late yesterday afternoon. She had been in hospice care for many, many months with pancreatic cancer--something I wouldn't even wish on anyone I loathed, let alone anyone who seemed to be as caring as she was. And though it's a mercy she's free of her suffering, my heart is heavy for her family and friends.
So unless it's life and death, it's all small stuff, isn't it.
******
Also "small stuff", check out this little 6-week old girl, a Great Pyrenees x Lab. She's the new fur companion of my oldest/dearest friend, and the pics were taken on the 27th (her first night home) and sent to me yesterday morning.
Meet Kailey
My favourite of the three pics!
Peace.
Comments
Oh your poor neighbour! You gave her wise advise though. It's always good to take things one at a time and not to be pressured into anything, not while one is emotionally fragile!
Awwww Kailey!! What a beauty!! She looks so content and happy - a good place to be!!
Take care
x
And OMC is the puppy cute!
I am so sorry about Judi. I really didn't know her but I share in wishing to convey my deepest sympathy
I keep telling myself Judi is in a better place, but I know this has been very hard on her family. My uncle died from cancer and it takes a toll on the whole family. ~Alasandra
You are so correct, when someone leaves this world, it reminds me that the little worries I have are mere blips in comparison.
The puppy is absolutely adorable. I was given a Great Pyrenes dog many years ago...he wasn't a pup but full grown, but was an absolute love. He used to love to jump up and put his paws on my shoulders and kiss my face. I think they are the prettiest dogs and way smarter than some other breeds!
(thanks for your support Kim - SO much appreciated)
What an adorable puppy!
As for the puppy, he/she is absolutely adorable! Yellow labs have always been a favorite, but this puppy breed is precious. (I'd love a puppy. However, DH and cats wouldn't.)
Death is a way I feel we all face our immortality and those we care for.
A neighbor who foolishly avoided going to the DR was told she had stage 4 breast cancer. SHE knew she had a problem. She lived a few weeks.
It's hard at any time of the year, but with the advent of such a "happy" time, it's doubly hard for those suffering a loss of a friend or family member.
xoxoxo
On a much happier note, Kailey is adorable. What a little joy. :)