Life is a journey of ups, downs, twists, turns, and even smooth sailing. For example, I just returned from an emotional visit with my aunt and cousins in Italy (after 48 years). Returning after any time away is never easy, and getting back to the normal routine has its challenges – and complicated by jet lag.
Also, many bloggers put extra pressure on themselves to return to writing, posting, commenting, and visiting others – yep, so do I. Fortunately, readers are more patient and tolerant than we expect of ourselves.
As if I haven’t had enough emotions the past two weeks, this morning I received shocking news of the sudden and tragic passing of a good friend. Informing three others of the incident wasn’t easy. With that in mind, the prudent thing to do is step away again for a few days … probably back this weekend.
Peace to my friend’; comfort and strength to his wife.
Stained glass from a church in Florence (I took the picture)
A Frank Angle 
Take the time you need. Do not let yourself get so busy meeting what you see as commitments, if that activity will keep you from grieving, processing, recuperating. Like parents on a airplace flight who need to first fix the oxygen mask over their own mouths before they help their kids, you need to take care of yourself first. We can be patient; do not worry about us!
Cool picture, BTW.
LikeLike
Patti,
Your oxygen mask analogy is a great one. Thanks. Things were already converging, and than yesterday’s shocking news …. so taking my time and getting the necessary things done is a great advise. Thanks you.
LikeLike
Frank, my sympathies; that’s a tough one. Looking forward to your return when you are up to it. Peace to you.
LikeLike
Lynn,
Thank you … tough one for sure, only complicated by the oddity of it all.
LikeLike
You need some time away. We aren’t going anywhere. May light and love follow you and your friends wife.
LikeLike
Jackie,
Life needs balance … and sometimes taking something away, but adding with something else is a way of balancing. Good news is that I’m pragmatic —- bad news, I’m still only human. Thanks for the thoughtful suggestion.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Carrie!
LikeLike
Oh Frank, I am so sorry.
LikeLike
Julie,
Many thanks 🙂 … but the days ahead will improve.
LikeLike
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Frank.
LikeLike
Lame,
Thank you … a good friend he was. Heck, he was coming over on Sunday.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry, Frank.
LikeLike
Lame,
Thanks … and your presence and the others here makes me smile.
LikeLike
Sorry about the loss Frank.. and yes bloggers are patient… they always seem to come back.. but then some of them might be suffering as well… take it easy Mate…
LikeLike
Bulldog,
Thanks for the excellent thoughts!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. What an emotional time you are having. Best wishes xx
LikeLike
Spiced,
An emotional roller coaster for sure … plus suddenly a project and tax filing time. Oh well … it all works out in time. Thanks for the thoughts.
LikeLike
Very sad news, Frank… I’m really sorry to hear that.
Peace for your friend and may he live always in the warmth of your hearts.
LikeLike
Marina,
Everyone liked him as he was kind, funny, personable, and giving – so he won’t be forgotten! Thank you.
LikeLike
Frank I’m so sorry to hear the news. Take your time and be with your friends and loved ones.
LikeLike
TBM,
Thank you!
LikeLike
I am sorry too dear Frank, my thoughts are with you. Love, nia
LikeLike
Nia,
Thank you for your kindness and well wishes.
LikeLike
Better, Peace to you Frank. Peace to your friends family and loved ones. Take the time you need and we will all be here when you are ready to return.
LikeLike
Val,
Your words are good for this time. Thanks.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss, Frank. Just take time to be there for your family and friends at this sad time. Sending you hugs.
LikeLike
Paradise,
Many thanks Sylvia!
LikeLike
So sorry to hear that you’ve lost another friend, another piece of your heart. My sympathies, Frank.
LikeLike
Elyse,
The loss is one thing, and how it happened is another. Thank you.
LikeLike
I have an understanding shoulder should you need it.
LikeLike
I know that. 🙂
LikeLike
Frank,
Sending soothing thoughts your way. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Cathy
LikeLike
Cathy,
Many thanks for the positive vibes from across the country!
LikeLike
I’m saddened to hear of your loss. Count on me to be there if I can be of any help.
LikeLike
Tim,
Many thanks.
LikeLike
As said above, we’re all here for you Frank, whenever you come around.
Sincere condolences, and I’m sure you have wondeful memories to help you through.
LikeLike
Guapo,
I know my fellow bloggers are supportive … so many thanks … and yes, rely on the memories!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend.
Take care.
LikeLike
Dina,
Welcome to my little corner of the world. More important, thank you for the kind thoughts.
LikeLike
Sad news to come back to. My condolences. Really good friends are hard to come by which makes their passing all the more heartfelt.
LikeLike
Fasab,
I was already on a roller coaster, the pow … this was a tough one … and in a way, a first for me. Thanks for the kind words and support.
LikeLike
Take all the time you need. I am so sorry about the loss of your friend.
LikeLike
Vino,
Thank you … time will take care of itself.
LikeLike
Oh, Frank, I’m so sorry! Loss is such an agonizing shock to the system. Take care of yourself, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
LikeLike
Kathy,
Many thanks, but a shock indeed.
LikeLike
Ahh, Frank, so sorry. Take care of you and yours first, then take a deep breath and then come on back. All things in good time.
Sending good thoughts your way.
LikeLike
Moe,
Your “take a deep breath” words are perfect! Thanks for the good thoughts as they safely arrived!
LikeLike
Frank, I’m so sorry. If I can do anything for you, please just let me know
LikeLike
Mo,
I know that … and the fact that you dropped by to leave these words made me smile. Thanks … I’ll be posting on Sunday and another one of Monday. Please stop by Sunday! Thanks Mo.
LikeLike
be well. or good. either one.
LikeLike
Rich,
Will do, and thank you Rich.
LikeLike
Sorry for your loss Frank.
LikeLike
GFB,
Thank you … but I shall return as I can only go so only without advice from Oily.
LikeLike
Good!
LikeLike
Frank, so sorry for your lost and my thoughts are with you – you go easy on yourself and we will be here .. all of us when you are ready.
LikeLike
Viveka,
Many thanks … and yes, “go easy on yourself” is also good advice. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so sorry, Frank. I had somehow not seen this post, thought you were really “quiet” so came by to check on you. This is tremendously sad, and I’m really so deeply sorry for the shock to all. You’re so right about your readers being patient. This is “real life stuff” and please take the time for yourself and those closest to you. But of course your voice is missed…that’s why I came by today. oxo
LikeLike
Debra,
Thanks for the kind thoughts and understanding. At the moment, I am keeping up with comments, but very little visiting. I can say that I will have a post Sunday (which you should be able to read Saturday night) … plus in my post for Monday morning, I’ll explain a bit more. Many thanks for checking in on me!!!!
LikeLike
So sorry to hear of your shocking loss….wishing you peace of heart….and mind….
LikeLike
Zannyro,
The news is shocking in a variety of ways … I’ll say more in time. Meanwhile, I’m replying to comments here, but limiting blog surfing time. FYI: Stop by Sunday & Monday!!! Many thanks for your support.
LikeLike
I’ll be checking in 🙂
LikeLike
take the time you need, Frank…we all have moments where energies need to be recharged, business to look after and simply living without the usual daily routines we tend to get ourselves into. may you find peace and abundant blessings during this time and for your loved ones as well. you are loved. ♥
LikeLike
Sunshine,
Many thanks for the kind words and support. I will be posting Sunday and Monday, so please stop by. Thanks again. 🙂
LikeLike
you’re welcome Frank. ♥
LikeLike
Hi Frank
I also came by because I thought you’d been very quiet. I recall that not so long ago another good friend passed away suddenly (someone who was in the bell group with you). My deepest sympathy to you all. Its important to take all the time you need to grieve. Be kind to yourself, rest when you need to…
We’re all sending you love and will be here when you return.
( I love Patti Ross’s comment about oxygen on a plane…)
LikeLike
Rosie,
Many thanks for the kind words. Actually, the totally of it all is due to many things converging on me at once (I will explain a bit more on Monday/Sunday night) … then his passing delivered a heavy burden.
LikeLike
You’ve been tagged!! Go check out the link and see what your next mission is! Have fun!
LikeLike
Frank
So sorry to hear of your friend. Never easy being the messenger to others. I too have been gone and promised not to place too much stress on me to perform on my blog. I write when I can and comment as well when I can pop on everyone’s sites. I am busy with my new fabulous position with http://www.desertarc.org and I am very lucky to be in this position. So I give myself a pass on not being 100% on my blog. I do the best I can and I am sure you do too with your busy life. We love your blog whenever you have time.
LikeLike
Kellie,
I just visited the site, and I can see why you find the job to be very rewarding! Life is in constant change, which means routines change – sometimes temporarily, other time permanently. I think this is a temporary phase for me. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry for your loss, Frank. I hope you found some peace during your break.
LikeLike
Robin,
Many thanks. I’m finding peace among the confusion. This one isn’t easy, but I haven’t said much here … well, yet. Actually hope to do so soon.
LikeLike