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.
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.
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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.
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Frank, my sympathies; that’s a tough one. Looking forward to your return when you are up to it. Peace to you.
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Lynn,
Thank you … tough one for sure, only complicated by the oddity of it all.
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You need some time away. We aren’t going anywhere. May light and love follow you and your friends wife.
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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.
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So sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.
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Thank you, Carrie!
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Oh Frank, I am so sorry.
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Julie,
Many thanks 🙂 … but the days ahead will improve.
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I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Frank.
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Lame,
Thank you … a good friend he was. Heck, he was coming over on Sunday.
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I’m so sorry, Frank.
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Lame,
Thanks … and your presence and the others here makes me smile.
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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…
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Bulldog,
Thanks for the excellent thoughts!
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I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. What an emotional time you are having. Best wishes xx
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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.
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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.
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Marina,
Everyone liked him as he was kind, funny, personable, and giving – so he won’t be forgotten! Thank you.
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Frank I’m so sorry to hear the news. Take your time and be with your friends and loved ones.
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TBM,
Thank you!
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I am sorry too dear Frank, my thoughts are with you. Love, nia
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Nia,
Thank you for your kindness and well wishes.
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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.
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Val,
Your words are good for this time. Thanks.
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So sorry for your loss, Frank. Just take time to be there for your family and friends at this sad time. Sending you hugs.
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Paradise,
Many thanks Sylvia!
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So sorry to hear that you’ve lost another friend, another piece of your heart. My sympathies, Frank.
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Elyse,
The loss is one thing, and how it happened is another. Thank you.
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I have an understanding shoulder should you need it.
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I know that. 🙂
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Frank,
Sending soothing thoughts your way. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Cathy
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Cathy,
Many thanks for the positive vibes from across the country!
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I’m saddened to hear of your loss. Count on me to be there if I can be of any help.
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Tim,
Many thanks.
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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.
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Guapo,
I know my fellow bloggers are supportive … so many thanks … and yes, rely on the memories!
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I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend.
Take care.
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Dina,
Welcome to my little corner of the world. More important, thank you for the kind thoughts.
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Sad news to come back to. My condolences. Really good friends are hard to come by which makes their passing all the more heartfelt.
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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.
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Take all the time you need. I am so sorry about the loss of your friend.
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Vino,
Thank you … time will take care of itself.
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Oh, Frank, I’m so sorry! Loss is such an agonizing shock to the system. Take care of yourself, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
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Kathy,
Many thanks, but a shock indeed.
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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.
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Moe,
Your “take a deep breath” words are perfect! Thanks for the good thoughts as they safely arrived!
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Frank, I’m so sorry. If I can do anything for you, please just let me know
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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.
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be well. or good. either one.
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Rich,
Will do, and thank you Rich.
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Sorry for your loss Frank.
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GFB,
Thank you … but I shall return as I can only go so only without advice from Oily.
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Good!
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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.
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Viveka,
Many thanks … and yes, “go easy on yourself” is also good advice. 🙂
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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
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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!!!!
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So sorry to hear of your shocking loss….wishing you peace of heart….and mind….
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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.
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I’ll be checking in 🙂
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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. ♥
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Sunshine,
Many thanks for the kind words and support. I will be posting Sunday and Monday, so please stop by. Thanks again. 🙂
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you’re welcome Frank. ♥
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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…)
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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.
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You’ve been tagged!! Go check out the link and see what your next mission is! Have fun!
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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.
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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!
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Frank. I hope you found some peace during your break.
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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.
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