Long Weekend

This was quite a long weekend, as in, lots happened that brought up a ton of different emotions.  

There was lots to celebrate but also lots to mourn this weekend.  Let me start of with the not so great news.  Someone close to me who has known me for 38 years passed away this weekend.  He was like my second father.  And he absolutely treated me as one of his own children.  At times, taking me in to live with him for a little while when my parents were both away/in the middle of their divorce.  At times, when money was so tight for our family, he made sure we didn't pay for daycare.  He has continued to be with me through all my highs and lows.  But due to his health, he passed away on Saturday afternoon.

As sad as I am about this loss, I am grateful that I took the Friday off of work.  In a previous post, I had mentioned that I had a dream that someone was dying.  And I just felt like I needed to go see him.  I had called his house on the Thursday night to see if I could visit on Friday.  I received a call back from one of his children telling me about his stay in the hospital.  

On Friday, I went to go visit.  Stayed with the family.  Brought food so that the caretakers could at least have a moment from themselves and eat crappy hospital food.  And I got a chance to be with him, say all that I needed to say, including that I loved him.  Not many get a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones, but I did.  

What has always amazed me about this man is how selfless he is and how caring he was to all.  Even on his deathbed, he could barely talk, but he wanted to make sure his wife was ok.  And when she finally stopped fretting, he actually calmed down knowing that she was ok.  And when he saw me, he still knew who I was.  I knew he was in pain...but even then, he asked about my family and wanted to make sure that we were all ok.  And when I told him that we were, he smiled and squeezed my hand.  

I don't know of a lot of people who would still worry about others while on their deathbed.  But this man sure did.  The world truly lost a selfless, loving, and wonderful human being.  I'm honoured to have known him and am truly thankful for his love and support.  I'm sorry for the world's loss but I am thankful he is no longer in pain.   Thank you for everything Tony.  xoxo!!!

But even with the loss this weekend, life continues on.  And I knew I needed to continue to live and enjoy the good milestones too.  Tony would have wanted me to do that.  And so, I celebrated a birthday party for a lovely young lady, went to a baby shower for a first time mom, went to a wedding anniversary and celebrated Canada Day.   

No matter what losses we encounter, life really does go on.