Life’s Unexpected Surprises
Last year was full of wonderful writing experiences and great trips, but this year, we were hit with life’s unexpected surprises. Crummy ones. Since Robert and I have been so blessed in life, it’s hard to complain. And yet, since New Year’s Eve, there have been a few dark moments.
Those Dark Moments
A few days ago, we learned that one of our very good friends passed away in his sleep. We just saw him and his wife for a Christmas lunch two weeks ago. He looked great and was so positive in his thinking. He’d been taking care of his wife who has early dementia. No one thought he’d be the first one to go.
After a good cry, Robert and I talked about the fragility of life, not only because of our dear friend’s sudden death, but also because he’d had a narrow escape from death himself.
On New Year’s Day, Robert was driving his sports car and after stopping at a 4-stop intersection, proceeded through the intersection. A guy in a large black SUV truck came out of nowhere on his left and t-boned him. If Robert had left the stop sign seconds earlier, he might not be alive today. We’re waiting to hear back from the auto body shop. The car might be a total write-off. Following the incident, Robert had a tight chest, headache and tension around his neck but all that has passed. Thank God, he’s okay.
And New Year’s Day, I woke up with a terrible cold that got more terrible as the week went on. I’ve been surrounded by sick people over the holidays—family, friends, so getting a cold is not a surprise.I have a history with bronchitis, so I’m throwing everything I can at it now—probiotics, Vit. C with zinc, cod liver oil, coated aspirin and lots of lemon tea with honey. And a little hot buttered rum doesn’t hurt, too.
They say bad luck comes in threes, so hopefully it’s all good from hereon in. And though sick, I’ve managed to keep writing.
Looking Ahead With Hope
As for where our world is heading, I’m a forever optimist.
I’m heartened by all the good will out there. I’m so pleased that Greta Thunberg was named Time’s person of the year and she hasn’t given up on her mission, even in the face of mockery from the American president. With Australia on fire and the world in danger of losing more Amazon forest, it’s become too obvious that world leaders need to do something about climate change. It would be ignorant and criminal for them to do otherwise.
And though our neighbour to the south is rattling some sabers, I hope and pray reason will prevail. The battle we should all be fighting is the one to preserve nature. We need to ensure that all life is valued and that this beautiful world remains beautiful for generations to come.
Words of Wisdom
One of the books I got for Christmas from our younger daughter is NATIVE WISDOM FOR WHITE MINDS; Daily Reflections Inspired by the Native Peoples of the World by Anne Wilson Schaef. I highly recommend it. More than ever, we need to anchor ourselves to what is good and right in this world.
With daily meditative reflections, I’m forging ahead with my writing. I’m working on the sequel to Sunflowers Under Fire. I’ve already got a title in mind which I hope to share soon.
Leaving You A Smile
Though this post started with some bad news, I hope to leave you with a smile. These photos were taken at the Cafe du Monde in New Orleans this past summer. Robert and I had to try these world reknowned beignets by the water.
I wish you and yours a wonderful 2020!
Diana, I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your friend and grateful that your husband survived what could have been a fatal crash. We just don’t know what 2020 will bring. So there is all the more reason to savor those sweet moments like the one at Cafe du Monde! And may you feel better soon.
Thank you, Jo. It’s been a week of shocks. You are so right. We need to savour the sweet moments. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your good friend, Diana. And awful about Rob’s accident. Thankfully, he’s okay. Let’s hope 2020 is full of more pleasant surprises. Cheers!
Thank you Jo-Anne. Everyone keeps saying ‘life is short’. ‘Best make the most of it.’ How true. Hugs.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It’s good you were able to spend time with him so recently.
I’m so glad Robert escaped with only minor aches.
These things remind us to count our blessings.
Thank you, Bob. Yes, we’re also thankful we saw Alan one more time. It’s unbelievable. Here today, gone tomorrow. As you say, ‘these things remind us to count our blessings.’ Same for Rob. Like he says, if he’d left that stop sign even a second sooner, he might not be around today. Incredible! Take care of yourself. Hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Diana. And I’m thankful to hear Rob is okay! What an awful, scary incident. Sending love and hugs.
Thanks, Shari. This past week has been a two-punch. Love and hugs back.
Dear Diana,
Kathy & I send you & Robert our hugs on hearing of these doleful experiences; so sad especially about the unexpected loss of your dear friend. Hope you both are hurtling forward to the best of health soon.
Thank you Max and Kathy. Yes, it’s been such a shock. Losing Alan was a huge blow. And realizing Robert could’ve met the same fate the same week has been hard to take. Hugs.