Saying goodbye..................

Shedding tears of sorrow.

Yesterday I took a walk in below freezing temperatures. The sky was cloudless and brilliant blue in the midday sunshine. I went to a little park nearby. At one time several homes stood there. Families with children must have enjoyed the nearby creek. Vestiges of the occupants remain, a plant hanger rusting on a large oak, a little shed way back in the wooded area. The houses were taken by the city due to constant flooding from the creek, and the park was created. I only see a dog walker now and then, it's not a popular place as there's a much larger city park within half a mile complete with duck pond, swings, slide, tennis courts and community center. I like to stop here at this somewhat lonely spot when I want to think, be alone, take some pictures, and perhaps shed a tear.

I lost the dearest friend on Friday.........the husband of my best friend from my hometown in England. She and I met in Washington, D.C. when we emigrated, amazed to find we grew up just miles apart. For almost 47 years we have kept in touch even though she moved to the west coast 45 years ago. We were last together in July when we visited their vacation home at Lake Almanor in Northern California, and last Spring we all met up in our hometown in Devon, England for an amazing time.

This wonderful couple were like this mighty oak. Two special loving people, always together, traveling the world to places most of us never see. Brave until the very end, a kind and loving man to his family, friends and strangers. His battle with cancer for so many years made us admire him so much

I will not be posting for a little while. Life feels sad, empty, brittle. I need some time to remember a wonderful man whom I know is now at peace...........................but will be missed so much.