david S.:
Hugh,
I wanted to send you a quick note (before I become to overwhelmed with the whole downsizing/packing/moving process)! :o)
I DO hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming holiday, Hugh. I am somewhat melancholic because my late German wife always made a big effort (in terms of decorations) for the holidays (and cooking), hence these last few years things have been much more humble.
I shall be spending Christmas day with my Niece (who is big on Christmas decorations/baking and cooking up a storm).
"Merry Christmas, Hugh!" (and if you don't hear from me, because there is nothing major wrong with my HP laptop, ALSO "Happy New Year!')
Oh don't be silent just because everything is working as it should ...... Ha Ha Ha .... do let us know when that arrives!
I do know what you are talking about with downsizing and and missing how things used to be. My wife was in a wonderful long term care unit for nearly five years during each year was a little different to the previous one but we had to say "It is what it is" and accpt the changes. When I say "we" it really boiled down to my next door neighbor, a retired RN, who had become Dottie's friend when they moved in several years before Dottie had her accident -- she tripped over one of those concrete blocks on parking lots which they had put across where there was a step down on a raised walkway and across the pathway ..... hit her head badly and that triggered the Aphasia like a road-block between her words in her brain and the mouth to speak them. Dreadful for someone as good a communicator as she was.
So the end for her was a wonderful release for her and indeed for all those that knew her.
And now there is dealing with the new life. I am able to stay on in the house -- two bedroom in a Deed Restricted Community that works wonderfully well since it's run by the residents volunteering. But I do have to clear an enormous accumulation of junk. paperwork and so on.
But as you must be finding although the physical person has gone she is just as much present and part of my life as, say, my son who was born and lived in England ..... a dual national from his French mother, my first wife, since the French operate under the Code Napoleon!
So please stay in touch as you move on one step at a time.
I think it is possible for private messages to be exchanged between Forum members but I'm not too certain how it works!
I'll wish you "Well over the Feasts" to adapt a saying used by my late French Father-in-law. Don't be afraid to enjoy them.
Hugh