"The Newspaper" painting by Edouard Vuillard
Please forgive me while I write a little bit of news. Yesterday I was hit with some news, horrible news of my sister-in-law's boyfriend, who died of a heart attack, after a tread-mill work-out while he was away on business. A handsome young man ( only 52) who adored my sister-in-law. They had been a "couple" for the last six years and I always knew they cared for one another. Some obstacles along the way, but both had an open heart for one another. He sent her flowers on Sunday - signed from "me." How sweet.
Interior - Painting by Edouard Vuillard
Later, that same day, I helped my neighbor out with laundry when her washing machine would not spin. I proceeded to be the super-laundress as well as short-order chef for her little ones with a mac n cheese, and some green beans. My neighbor has three all under the age of four (and just went back to work as a fourth grade teacher.) Yes - people, three children all under the age of four. Doing for others in the midst of tragedy surely left me feeling pretty connected to the man upstairs. My Dad has always told me to "do for others, just showing up for church is not gonna cut it." (Right he is) Thanks Dad.
"Green Interior" - Painting by Edouard Vuillard
While the laundry was still drying, I dashed off to a wake for a 93 year old gentleman who was the father of a neighbor and friend and it was amazing to see how many people were out for a popular guy and a family who are amazing. When I moved to my home, they brought an apple pie (home-made) for our family.
"Au lit" In Bed - Eduoard Villard Painting
I remember it is the little things, that make the news.
I am looking forward to another day and a bit of rest.
Sleep always helps one to prepare for more news, the good and the bad.
How about you, any news?
(All paintings by Edouard Vuillard - my latest obsession)
Oh PVE...that is horrible news! How terrible. I just don't even know what to say other than to offer my sympathy for your sister-in-law and family. Why is it always the good ones that go too soon?
ReplyDeleteYou just asked on my blog what my memorial plaque would say (great question!)...I'd have to say:
"She misses it here."
laura,
ReplyDeleteyes it is so sad, but to have know him is our pleasure.
love your plaque!
pve
Patricia, I am so sorry and sorry for your sister-in-law, too. I have to say if as a last act, sending flowers was such a good one. Like you I tend to "do" in those situations. The absorbing generally happens later. When it's quite. I hope you get a good night's sleep.
ReplyDeleteOh Patricia, that is just such awful news! I too have been a bit bombarded with awful news lately. What's in the air?
ReplyDeletexx
Anna
Bless you, your sister-in-law and the family! My goodness what you have been doing! You are so giving and kind. I'm sure you swooped in and saved the day for your neighbor. After all, we remember moments and not days.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your sister-in-law's friend. So young. You are right. It's the little things that matter. The sweet act of sending flowers will always be such a nice part of her memory of him.
ReplyDeletePatricia I'm so sorry about this young man. Your poor sister-in-law. I agree with your dad's saying.
ReplyDeleteI have had my time full with a senior gal down the street. She is 90 yrs young and had a stroke. Between visiting her in the hospital, checking and feeding her dogs, and making calls for her I can't believe today is wed already.
My best to you and the family! xoxo
Patricia, I am so sorry for you. At such a young age!!
ReplyDeleteI love the words you've learned from your father, thanks for sharing that and it's those little things indeed that make the news....
Like you said; have a good rest!
Patricia: I'm sorry for the loss that your sister-in-law and family now have to endure. Much healing has to take place, however he will always be with her, just in another way.
ReplyDeleteMrs.B-
ReplyDeleteThe quiet is when our thoughts become the loudest.
Amazing how children can quickly keep you in the now and provide comfort so innocently.
My kids have been a source of sensitivity. They were close to him and had many lengthy talks.
pve
Anna,
Here's to a calm air or a fresh air today ~
Keep showing us all pretty pictures.
pve
Granny-
All the memories of the moments have provided many stories and lots of joy of the times we shared.
Thanks for your kindness.
pve
I've spent a good amount of time thinking about your sister-in-law and her special "me". I know she must feel very loved and cared-for right now with you and your family in her corner. Doing for others is what makes it all so very worthwhile. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteIt will take time.
We miss him and have shared little bits, smiles, and all the good things he did.
Patricia
I love Vuillard as well...it is the suggestibility he offers. The softness of possibility is candy for the visual. Ah!!!Just this instant I looked up - out my window - to see a heron fly over! Hope your day is graced.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful post, with beautiful pictures that capture the stories in the news that you've shared.
ReplyDeleteI like your father's words. My husband says that faith is no good if it doesn't have feet on it. Wise men, those two.
I'm so sorry for Dear S losing her Love and for your whole family as well as his. Is such a tragedy. Stay close and keep him and her in your heart. The grieving will be so tough. But it's wonderful that she has her family to embrace her.
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear about your sister in laws loss. Maybe this will cheer you up- think I may be close to finding your coffee table! still on the hunt-
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI am keeping you and your family in my thoughts today....sounds like he was a wonderfully romantic man and perfect for your sister-in-law. How sad that they are parted so soon.
Hugs and XX
Im sorry to hear about your loss. How terribly sad and frustrating. You and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeletePatricia - I am so sorry to hear this news. We are so often reminded of how quickly life can change. Your family is in my thoughts and I hope seeing the goodness in others helps your sister-in-law through this difficult time.
ReplyDeletej.x
I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister-in-laws boyfriend, that is so awful! Way to young to go for sure. I love the little story you included about him sending flowers, what a sweet man he must have been.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Patricia! I guess with the Ying comes the Yang.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Michelle
whoa... what a week. It was a nice gesture to have sent your sister-in-law the flowers... a reminder to smell them. Often.
ReplyDeleteMany condolences. And brava for your hard work and efforts on behalf of others. They are very much appreciated I can assure you.
Oh my goodness, there has been so much going on! My heart goes out to the losses. And I know how much your acts of kindness were appreciated!
ReplyDeleteLove your obsession with Edouard Vuillard and I am so sorry for your sister-in-law, what a terrible terrible shock. I hope you awake refreshed and to a happier day, xv.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your sister-in-law's boyfriend. So sad when people we love die. I've never had that happen before this last month!
ReplyDeleteWhat, what an emotionally fraught day you must have had! How wonderful that you were able to find something to do that made you feel good, that has always been the key for me in these situations...connections to others are really what get us through.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I'm so sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. It's always an unbelievable shock to lose someone. Thank goodness for our family and friends to help us through difficult moments. Whether we're giving or receiving, it's usually a mixture of both.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Patricia...I know your sister in-law feels loved by all of the family both close and extended. I hope you can breathe a bit and get some rest yourself.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your family's bad news.
ReplyDeleteMay the concern of others and warm memories be a comfort to you and your family.
Here in the Midwest we usually come with some food and a hug. Consider yourself hugged and fed.
With sympathy and friendship,
Rebecca
So sorry to hear about your loss Patricia. You sound as though you have the best perspective possible for is the most you can hope for. Your dad is a wise man. I hope you have a healing weekend. XXOO
ReplyDeleteWhenever I am feeling down I always find that helping others gets me out of my head. That and making handmade cards....and playlists....and taking our dog Cheddar for a hike in the woods or a walk on the beach. My prayers go out to your sister-in-law and her friends family.
ReplyDelete