Conversation With Jean – February 2015

February 12, 2015

“I haven’t heard from you in a while. What is going on?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. The new year is off and running with lots of stuff, and I have been sort of getting behind the eight ball. I’ll try to high spot the important stuff, and bring you up to date.

The weekly lunches with Anne have become more or less a regular thing. I don`t get into anything that might cause conflict, and we just get together, and be with each other. Mostly on a Friday for lunch, except when the Victor Library group has their bridge game on each second Friday of the month. Then we do lunch on the following Saturday. Actually, I think she looks forward to it. She seems relaxed, and aware. Cindy Enriot is a good person to take her in, and Anne knows it – as do I.

Band started up again on January 6th. Did a few lunches with Phil. Winter session of the Osher writing class started on January 12th. So far, two classes have been cancelled because of snow days. We’ve been having a good old Western New York winter since Christmas. Lots of snow and cold. Tonight it’s going to be below zero. Oh well, we are used to it, and it soon shall pass.

Was embarrassed by forgetting Joe`s birthday on the 5th. Patty reminded me of it when she visited me on the 14th. We are now in the finishing stages of getting the website up and running. You and I lived such an interesting and exciting life together, that I now find myself revisiting, writing, and sharing the fun parts of it with all who will listen. Certainly Phil and I talk about you and Inge, every time we get together, and revisit all the GCADA events we can. We share your memories with all of our other good friends. It`s my way of keeping you alive in my heart, and I find so much comfort in doing it. So does Phil.

The website has been up and running since around the first of this month. Right now most of the stuff on it is stuff I have written. But, Bob Fitzgerald told me of his relighting experience, and I wrote it up and put it on the site with his blessing. He wrote some very down to earth and wise comments which I included in the site. His story is very heartening and is such a pleasure to share with others who are separated like we are.

Marcia and Jon invited me for a nice Sunday dinner on January 25th. It was my first chance to actually introduce them to the Relighting Us site. You already know about our memory get together visits to Skaneateles. Marcia knew someone who might benefit by participating. That would be great as it may take a while for the site to actually get rolling and bring back lost light to others, like its process has done for me.

In that vein, I was able to write up my recent relighting experience with Ron Briggs and put its story on the site. I titled it: “Relighting an Unknown Father’s Love.” I am in the process of putting another similar relighting story on, as well. I`ll tell you about it when I do.

bookmarkLast Saturday, after Bible class I shared the site with Kathryn McAlarney. She, like me is widowed, and was very pleased with its format and purpose. She offered to have me appear in various groups she was involved with that might like to participate. I know it is going to take a while to get people as appreciative and willing as I am to use the site and benefit from its relighting formula and process. I will see her again on February 14th and see where we are with all of that. Patty just delivered some business cards and bookmarks for me to give her, and others as well. I can suggest that they should be used as a way to provide tangible reminders to her associates. Keep you posted on that one.

Neat week the band is on break, so I will have extra time to get out and about and spread the word about the site. It has given me a new purpose, and has really revitalized my life. I now have another mission and identity. In addition to being Tuba Bob, I am now a Lamplighter (remember the backside of the bookmark).

One small, sour note. My colitis has flared up again. It started last October, and got so bad after Christmas, I had to go back to Dr. Baratta, and see what could be done. I am under medication and have been since the 22nd of January. So far a slight improvement, and hopefully it will be under control soon. I am scheduled to see him again on March 31st. We’ll know better by then. Hopefully, it will be better.

Jim appears to be getting near to a remedy for his situation. A few more tests and examinations are in the near future, and within a month or so, he will probably be involved with receiving an artificial heart valve. That seems to be the most likely and promising prospect at this time. We`re all saying prayers for him. I know you have been doing so, too

Last, but not least, I stopped in at the Highlands, yesterday the 11th, and visited with Julia Dye. She seems well and contented. I felt bad, because she had been trying to reach me by phone, and my message machine was not working. I will see her periodically, as she needs a friendly face. And, it gives me pleasure to please her.

So, that’s all for now. Talk to you again, soon.”