K is for Kathy

She was my sister’s childhood friend.

They met in 1966. They were 8 years old. I was 6. 

My sister is third from the left in the bottom row.

Kathy is 3rd from the left in the second row.

She was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer just over a year ago. On March 27, 2020, she passed away. 

She was the picture of health. Never smoked, exercised every day and, unlike me, hadn't drank for over 10 years. How does this happen?!?!

I have lost a parent and other close family. Yet this time…it is so very different.

I have so much I want to say but struggle to find the words. All of us are struggling. A lifetime of memories growing up together. So many good times, some tears but so much laughter. 

So, I am just going to copy what I posted on Facebook... 

     She was just 61 years old.
     She was so easy to know.
     She was the kind of friend everybody wants to have. 
     I am grateful I was one of them for over 50 years. 

She will be missed by so many but never, ever forgotten.  💔

L-R:  My sister Sharon, Virgina, Kathy, Me, Dayle

August 2019

J is for a Jumbled Mess

So when I asked FB land for suggestions for the letter “J”…I really did not expect anybody to respond. But you did!

You sent your ideas. 25 of them. How would I choose just one?!?!?

Well…I couldn’t. 

So, I’m going to use ALL OF THEM! Here goes…

Once upon a time, there were 2 brothers who longed to go on a journey together.

They were jubilant when they finally decided where they would go. They booked their tickets before their parents could jettison their plan and even bought matching jumpsuits.

Both adventure addicts, they chose the Amazon because they had heard wild stories of jugglers juggling jugs in the jungle. Many of their friends mocked them but both J1 and J2 knew their friends were just jealous.

They would need to get into shape before leaving. So, they started a training regimen of jumping jacks and jump rope. After their workout, they would consume a jigger of “jungle juice” packed with the most essential vitamins and minerals.

Before they left, their parents threw them a send off party. There were so many people it felt like a Boy Scout jamboree. There was dancing, in particular the jive, and all sorts of sweet treats. Jelly beans, jujubes and even jello shots. Everybody joined in the fun. So much joy!

The end.

Oh, and why such a silly story??  Just because…