Happy Belated New Year, 2013
Seems much longer than a week ago that we have returned from Austria. The kids all started back to school yesterday, Tuesday the 8th of January. We spent a quiet week prior enjoying our new toys, Maddy and her keyboard, Kaylee and her electric guitar and George and his iPad mini. I did the usual mom things, laundry. And fed the little monsters. I also have been mourning the loss of another family member. Aunt Ruth left us just before Christmas. She is a person I don’t see very often but will dearly, dearly miss. For she is, was, will be, has been, oh, man….She is “Pond Island” (to me). She is the strongest woman I know, sits right up to a close second to my grandmother anyway. Tough, it is tough. Death is inevitable. Cancer is evil.
So, as well as reminiscing about the past and lost loved ones, Â laundry, vacuuming and managing appetites, I have ventured out for many walks…and want to share the worlds tallest Christmas Tree…118 feet! It isn’t an actual tree, it is a large trunk with holes and branches are fitted and shaped to make up this tree. It is really magnificent.
And unfortunately we are traveling this weekend, heading to Sälen, northern Sweden to ski…and hopefully get to Norway for a day too. Norway is an hours drive from Sälen, but Sälen is a mere 6 hours drive….yikes! Let us hope, there is no traffic, kids cross your fingers.
But I say unfortunately because here in Sweden they celebrate the tree “detrimming” with something called Hilarymas. January 13th marks the end of the Swedish holiday season. They dance around the tree, and eat all the edible ornaments. Well, save my appetite…apparently the ENORMOUS gingerbread ornaments on the tallest tree are real gingerbread. Not sure how tasty they will be after hanging out with the likes of snow, rain, dirty air….And after the celebrations, Christmas trees are literally thrown out the window(of course that is old traditions, I hope) Maybe it is a good thing we are traveling…
Sorry to hear Aunt Ruth passed, I know how much she and the island mean to you, it has always been about family time together… She leaves a legacy for you, at the island and in your heart.
Oh Linda, legacy is a perfect word for her! I wish I could find the words to say more, more about her strength and positiveness. She was a hip grandmother and fabulous artist. She was so passionate about so many things….never stopped being involved and keeping busy. It is a very strange feeling being here when these things happen(2nd death in less than 5 months).
I think Linda and you have said it all!
Mom
Missed you in person, loved seeing you via Facetime, know that you were present both in our hearts and conversations this weekend! Headed to Boston for the next 2 Tuesdays, the second visit with the Dana Farber oncologist, after which we should know the parameters of the protocol. The good news in the VA official approval for the DF clinical trial was the phrase “Rx with curative intent.” Mantle cell lymphoma is rare, treatable but not curable under current chemo protocols. Big asterisk on Ed’s files with the VA indicating agent orange exposure, to which this cancer is linked. Will surely get us some benefits and we hope much more at Dana Farber. We were green with jealousy at deep powder you and family skied in Austria, but loved Greg’s video! You are never far away from our hearts or our daily lives as you continue to share your journey. Aunt Ruth died with great grace and dignity, and as she wanted. Legacy indeed is an accurate description of what she left with us. She was your great aunt, and I’m just your aunt, but know that I am always here for you if you have a need I can fill. Love, Frannie
Hi Rebecca, It has been so nice to hear from you and about your life in Sweden, your trips, skiing etc. I have really enjoyed your adventures! I was sad to learn about your Aunt Ruth. I didn’t know her well, but when we did meet she was such a gracious lady, always very welcoming. I wish you, Greg and family a healthy and happy 2013. love, Liz
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