 |
| Bellingham Bay at sunset |
I really needed the service, which was held at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, a place I have visited in the past. It was exactly what I needed. The experience was moving and personal, and it gave me the closure I so sorely needed. I learned many new things about Beth, but mostly I saw how many people other than me were touched by her life. She was my massage therapist for several months.
As soon as I got home, I ate a quick lunch and Smart Guy and I drove the 75 miles south to Snohomish to take my parachute rig in for its six-month checkup. Yes, that's right: I decided that I am not done yet, and the Drop Zone will open in the first week of January and, weather permitting, I will be out there once again. Or twice or more, who knows? I drove down and he drove back, so we had plenty of time to be together and process our journey.
As we drove back in the sunshine and clouds, we were also both so happy to realize the good choice we made seven years ago to move to Bellingham. It's a beautiful place to live, the just the right place for us.
 |
| Magnificent clouds |
:-)
i'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. it sounded like a perfect send off for her, though. :) and i had been thinking of you earlier - wondering if you had hung up your chute. guess not! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your sad loss, DJan. I'm glad you were able to find closure and honour her memory so lovingly. Yours is a lovely community for sure.. and you fit in beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry DJan... It's hard. I guess we have to live while we can.
ReplyDeleteI've had a rough month since returning from our trip. My cousin who is younger than me is in hospice. It feels so unfair. Everyone is heartbroken.
Ha! Knew you wouldn't quit! And here's to Beth flying free...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss - and for the loss that everyone who knew her feels.
ReplyDeleteI hope that she, and you fly free. Always.
I'm glad you've decided to keep jumping. If you aren't SURE, then I think it isn't time yet.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad that the memorial service comforted you.
It's good to take stock now and then and see how fortunate we are, even in the face of sadness.
Condolences Djan; it's always hard to lose friends. I'm glad you enjoyed the service. We all need that. Take care. Your skies are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI feel for you and your loss of a good friend. And, the decision you made about continuing with your passion, well...it doesn't surprise me. It's what you do, what you LOVE to do. I say, why not...smart choice.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your friend Beth. I like what you said at the end of your post "Blue skies, Beth! Fly free..." -very fitting DJan.
ReplyDeleteWOW, so you are jumping in January - I look forward to that post. I love that sunset and of course Blue skies are my favourite. Take care.
It was good that you experienced closure at Beth's Celebration of Life.
ReplyDeleteI hope you remain healthy enough to sky dive next year.
Best wishes.
No matter how long we live it never seems long enough. Life is so precious...and brief. Sounds like Beth had a good life and was well loved. That is to be celebrated. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and appropriate sunset DJan. My spouse is both a ovarian and breast cancer survivor. Now we're dealing with memory loss but she is a fighter. Thank you for your kind comment on my last post. I hesitated about posting it but it was an anniversary and it seemed the right time...:)
ReplyDeleteWe need the odd message that encourages us.
ReplyDeleteNow I would have bet that you would still sky dive. You still have a few more goals.
You do have more than just heavy gray cloud. Did you get in on the west coast storm?
It was a day for reflection, for sure. It's good to continue living your life the way you chose to for as long as you can.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the loss of your friend, we all need as many friends as we can get!
ReplyDeleteI figured you would jump again...you are a heck of a lady! :)
Good to hear the service gave you closure. And that your skydiving gear is still ready for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss - I'm sure she was an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you received comfort from the services. I am always heartened when people get up to say what a person meant to them. It confirms what we knew about them and brings a warmth.
ReplyDeleteGood to know also that your knees will be back in the breeze for as long as you wish.
Oh DJan, losing a friend is always hard. Losing a 58 year old friend so soon after a diagnosis is devastating. I'm sorry for your loss but happy you were about to celebrate Beth's life.
ReplyDeletexo jj
Your thoughtful posts always resonate with me, and usually make me smile.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the bad news -- 58, jeez, way too young. Sounds like it was a nice service, though. And p.s., I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend – how difficult for her family and her friends. Her service sounded beautiful. Your sunset photo was also beautiful – I find that nature helps in healing. Your jumping is also a healing experience I am sure. My husband used to say that when he was free jumping he felt so free, and he had a feeling of euphoria. Take care DJan.
ReplyDeleteSorry about Beth. I understand your missing her being here, but I know you know that where she is now is the next phase of her life.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear the peace in your words about your decision to move to where you live now. Being led there and knowing it is the right place for you is exactly how I feel where I live now too.