Friday, January 20, 2012

Nostalgia and blogging friends

This week I went out into the garden in time to catch the sunrise over the valley. I took this photo of Wednesday 18 January which marked the 10 year anniversary of my mother's death. She only lasted 16 months after my dad's death when she gave up her fight against cancer. My mother died on my parents 55th wedding anniversary. As I watched the sun rising on Wednesday, I thought of my elegant, hardworking and kind mother and realised that even after ten years I still miss her and think of her often.

But is was also a wonderful week here in the valley. Grant walked in on Monday with mail for me: my FIRST ever since living here. I received a beautiful Christmas card from Diane of Adventure before Dementia. Diane and her husband Bill live in Australia and she has a very interesting blog about their many travels. Do visit her blog and tour all over the world with Diane!

The same day I received a parcel containing a Christmas card from my dearest friend Penny of Snap That. She also sent me a book on - you guessed it - birds! Penny and I met here in Kenya last year and I sincerely hope we meet again some day.  I have never met such an organised and practical person. Penny also has a heart for those less fortunate than her and she puts her money where her mouth is. Do take a look at Penny's blog and get to know this lovely lady.

Thanks Diane and Penny for thinking of me all the way from the other side of the world.
Christmas card and book in the front, from Penny and a beautiful card from Diane behind that!

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15 comments:

  1. Fred20 January, 2012 03:48

    Dear Jo! Now I understand more clearly why you have been so empathetic concerning my cancer. Your understanding is very special and your prayers are greatly valued. It is great to see that you received the mail from your special friends. God Bless you for all the good you do here in cyber space and also there among the Kenyan people.

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  2. Lalah20 January, 2012 03:51

    so sweet that friends across the miles didn't forget to keep in touch.

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  3. Betsy Banks Adams20 January, 2012 05:16

    Hi Jo, I sent you a card also. Did you not get it?

    Beautiful sunrise picture. I am surprised that George's Daddy is still with us. Mom died in June --and we thought he would die soon after her... BUT--he's still here and other than being terribly lonely, he is doing okay.. Bless his heart.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. diane b20 January, 2012 05:25

    Thank you Jo for the nice comments and the plug for my blog. I feel very honoured. By the way I am so sorry that I did not thank you for your Christmas card too. The funny thing was it arrived on the same day that you told me that mine arrived. What a coincidence. I'm off to visit Penny.

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  5. Andrea20 January, 2012 06:34

    Oh, Mrs. Jo,
    I know of that same sadness. Both my parents are gone and I can say the same thing as for the void. Some days just hit you. I had actually just drafted a post on that very emotion...in that this January marks the 13th anniversary of my sister and niece's passing. I pray God continues to bring happy memories of the wonderful legacy your parents left for you.

    Blessings,
    Andrea

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  6. Gaelyn20 January, 2012 06:46

    May you always remember your mother with the same gentle kindness she obviously passed along to you.

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  7. Joyful20 January, 2012 06:49

    It's great to see the book has reached you and it is sitting on your desk just ready to be read, lol.

    Your kind words are very sweet. I'm glad to count you as my friend. Hugs. xx

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  8. Joyful20 January, 2012 06:51

    p.s. I'm sorry about your mom. I know you must miss her very much. A mother's bond with her daughter is very special. May you be comforted this day by our Heavenly Father and the knowledge that you will see her again one day. xx

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  9. Sylvia K20 January, 2012 07:50

    Dear Jo, may you always have the beautiful memories of your mother and as Gaelyn has written, may you always remember her with the wonderful gentleness she passed to you! Sending you lots of loving thoughts.

    Sylvia

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  10. eileeninmd20 January, 2012 12:31

    Hello Jo, I am sure you have many lovely memories of your MOM. And it is so nice to have such sweet blogging friends. Great post and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪20 January, 2012 12:58

    10 years is not very long ago, and on anniversaries, you are bound to think of your Mum. My mum died on the 2nd day of the Lunar/Chinese new year. while everyone is excited, I have a tinge of saddness.

    It is fantastic you made such good blogging friends. They are my friends too.

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  12. Laura20 January, 2012 13:58

    What a beautiful way to be reminded of your beloved mother.

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  13. Lori Skoog20 January, 2012 16:46

    I too, think that Gaelyn's comment is so appropriate.

    Your bird book and cards are beautiful... so nice to connect with people around the world who have common interests. I'm always amazed at how we end up connecting with so many kind and caring people, who have certainly taught me a lot!!!

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  14. Donna20 January, 2012 17:44

    Awwww....bless your heart. My Mom crossed over in 1996...I really miss her too...
    Love the gifts!
    hughugs

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  15. Phillip20 January, 2012 20:23

    Hard to believe that it's been 10 years already since Mom's passing!

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo