Loss

On the same weekend, two people I know died.

H. was in my exercise class. She had been ill for the last several months and her death was not unexpected. Until she became ill, she was an active member of several communities: church, historical society, and service organizations as well as attending exercise class. She was in her mid 80s, but still tough, smart and witty; always dressed nicely, had her hair done regularly, and wore make-up whenever I saw her. She was tiny, but a powerhouse. She will be missed.

The second person I didn't know very well; her husband and I serve together on a committee. He missed some meetings a few years ago because she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They're both a few years younger and I am. I began to write brief messages to her on pretty note cards, wishing her well. I sent her postcards when I went on vacation and even just from home. Chemotherapy was successful and she recovered. I had a chance to meet her in person. She was delightful and charming and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations.

Then, the cancer returned; she began treatments, I began sending cards. After a few weeks, she and the doctors decided the treatments just weren't working and they ceased. She died. I sent a card to her husband telling him that even though I had only met her a couple of times and didn't know her well, I liked her very much.

Death is all part of the life cycle. Still, when it happens to someone I know, I'm always a little shaken. My world, the entire world, changes a little bit.

Time or Money?

Which do I value more? Which do I need more?

It appears, time wins - at least for now. I'm perfectly content with my 3 partial days-per-week job at MassCat. There have been the sporadic continuing education workshops in Connecticut. And two partial days at Springfield City Library and that's plenty. I could be working more, but attending chair yoga, reading, and watching my fish seems to take up an awful lot of time.

Of course, I'm doing many other things. We managed a trip to the Clark Art Institute to see the Van Gogh and Nature exhibit (wonderful) and will be heading back to the Berkshires next week for a production of Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare & Company. Sunday, we did the annual "Vermont trip". We went to the flea market in Jacksonville where we spent money on things we do not need (although everyone can use 2 more beer glasses). Then visited the fun shops in Brattleboro where we managed not to buy anything except an excellent dinner on the deck of the Whetstone Brewery.

Friday, we're heading east to my hometown for my 50th High School reunion. I'm feeling a little odd about it. I have not seen any of these people since the 25th reunion. I didn't keep up with any of them for more than a couple of years, and even then, only a few.

Where did those 50 years go? I've spent much of them working. Now it's time for fun and relaxation.