Reflecting...

Its been 6 months since I last blogged....so I thought I would write some thoughts down.   So much has happened the last six months.   We lost our beloved sister Karen in January....such a big huge loss.   We knew she had a fatal disease, but I think we all thought that Karen would beat this....she was so optimistic about it, but when the time came, it took her so quickly.  Being with someone as they take their last breath is an experience you will never forget....I have been with three people that I love now as they passed and in the end....all that matters is the love.
   Recently, I became terribly ill with a rather mysterious illness....it really bothers me that something like this could happen to me and I live in fear now that it could happen again.   They think I contracted this bacteria from shaving my legs....so sorry Rich....there will be no landscaping anymore.....I bought an electric shaver, so that will have to be good enough.  My bikini days are over.  Being this sick makes you realize that you are vulnerable.   I think alot of us think we are invincible...I know when you are young....you think you will never get old....I was so guilty of this.   But there comes that certain age, when things just change....for me...it just seemed like it happened so quickly.   One minute I was this energetic, young woman and the next....I was fighting the menopause pounds that come.   Your desire, your energy and your skin changes....but you fight through that and keep your young thoughts about you.   I have alot more life to live.....
   Today, we leave for Paris and a trip of a lifetime.   This is Rich's dream....its not necessarily mine....but I am excited to see all these places.   We knew now was the time to do this....it will be a very exhausting trip....sightseeing is work, but it is so exciting.   We are going with our friends Ken and Peggy Norus....so there is safety in numbers and we always have so much fun with them.  So I have all my comfortable walking shoes, no high heels this trip.
   I have never been away from my family this long before, so it will be a challenge for all of us.   I love them so much and I know they depend alot on Rich and I.   This will be good for them....and for us.   Rich needs this break from work....it is so demanding.   I have always been a caregiver, so it will seems strange to have somebody taking care of me.....but I think I will get used to it.